Harnessing generative AI in the workplace: A guide for employers
Explore what workers want in the age of generative AI and how employers can grow, evolve and upskill their workforce.
Almost half (43%) of UK workers are open to reskilling to make the most of generative AI capabilities and be at the forefront of the changes driven by this new technology.
That’s according to the findings of the Global Talent Survey (GTS), a piece of research undertaken every four years by Totaljobs, their partners in The Network, a global alliance of more than 50 leading recruitment websites, and Boston Consulting Group, one of the world’s largest management consultancies.
In this article, we’ll explore the findings of the latest report ‘How Work Preferences Are Shifting in the Age of GenAI’ and look at how employers can successfully integrate and utilise generative AI.
Understanding generative AI
Generative AI refers to algorithms that can generate new content, ideas, or solutions based on input data received from users. Unlike traditional AI, which analyses data to identify patterns, generative AI creates novel outputs using the information provided.
The applications of generative AI at work
One of the primary reasons generative AI is poised to significantly impact the world of work is its versatility, allowing employees across various industries to utilise AI systems in diverse work environments. This includes, but is not limited to, applications in:
- Creative industries: Generative AI is a game-changer in creative fields, assisting in content creation by helping to draft articles, generating design concepts and even composing music.
- Manufacturing and production: In manufacturing, AI can optimise design processes, create simulations for resting, and work to improve production workflows.
- Customer service and support: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide instant support to customers, handling inquiries and solving problems with the need for human intervention.
- Human resources and recruitment: Generative AI can streamline recruitment by generating job descriptions, screening CVs and even making predictions regarding candidate success.
Benefits of generative AI in the workplace
Organisations can leverage significant benefits by implementing generative AI into their processes. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant:
- Enhanced creativity and innovation: Generative AI makes it possible for teams to focus on high-level creative tasks by taking over repetitive, time-consuming activities, fostering a more innovative and dynamic workplace.
- Improved efficiency and productivity: The utilisation of AI makes it possible to automate mundane and routine tasks, allowing workers to concentrate on more strategic initiatives.
- Cost savings and resource optimisation: By automating processes and optimising resource use, AI can help to reduce operational costs. This can be particularly beneficial for SMEs looking to maximise their budgets.
Employee perceptions and confidence in generative AI
Before looking to implement AI and reap the benefits of its potential applications, employers need to understand how it is currently perceived across their workforce. Fortunately, the findings of the Global Talent Survey shed some light on how UK employees currently feel about AI models in the workplace:
- 47% believe that aspects of their job will be shaped by AI
- 31% think that their job won’t be impacted at all
- Just 6% think that their job will ultimately be replaced by AI
Whilst encouragingly these findings suggest that UK workers are not concerned about the possibility of AI making their roles redundant, they still indicate a need for clear communication and education about AI’s role in enhancing the traditional workplace.
Current usage of generative AI among UK workers
Despite the benefits it can offer, the adoption of AI among UK workers is still relatively low, with the Global Talent Survey showing that just a third of UK workers regularly use AI in their jobs.
This leaves employees in the UK lagging behind the global average of 39% of workers who currently use AI on a regular basis, and far lower than super-user countries where AI adoption is at its highest, a list which includes:
- India (74%)
- Pakistan (61%)
- China (53%)
- Morocco (52%)
- Tunisia (52%)
Demographics and industries leading AI adoption
In addition to uncovering how regularly UK workers are using AI in comparison to other countries, the Global Talent Survey also highlights the extent to which AI adoption varies across demographics.
The findings show that in-demand talent pools are typically more AI-savvy, with usage highest among:
- Talent under 30 years old (47%)
- Workers with a high level of education (43%)
For employers, these findings highlight the benefits of targeting younger, highly educated candidates who are more likely to be proficient in AI technologies. By focusing on these in-demand talent pools, employers can look to accelerate AI adoption and thereby drive innovation within their teams.
Challenges in generative AI adoption
While the adoption of generative AI tools in the workplace is already underway, there are still barriers employers need to overcome to successfully incorporate AI into their process and leverage the wide range of benefits it can provide.
The Global Talent Survey uncovered what UK workers see as the biggest hurdles when it comes to AI adoption. The most significant of these are:
- Unavailability of data or credible sources (32%)
- Slow speed or other technical issues (31%)
- Difficulty in writing prompts and lack of other skills (28%)
- Output quality not being high enough (14%)
Preparing the workforce for generative AI
Given the potential of AI solutions to contribute to problem-solving and increased productivity, overcoming the challenges outlined above is crucial for employers looking to implement this technology.
One way to do just that is by understanding the support employees want. According to the Global Talent Survey, the number one resource UK workers want comes in the form of information on what skills to learn to keep up with AI.
This can be achieved by focusing on training employees in AI fundamentals, data analysis, programming skills, and the use of specific AI tools to ensure they can effectively utilise these technologies. Furthermore, emphasising AI ethics, governance, and critical thinking skills can help employees responsibly and innovatively integrate AI into their workflows.
Survey respondents also highlighted other measures they’d like to see implemented to assist with the integration of AI, including:
- Better learning programmes: With 40% of UK workers wanting improved programmes for AI upskilling, employers can invest in comprehensive training that focuses on AI literacy and practical applications to ensure their employees gain the skills they need.
- More support: Creating an encouraging environment with mentorship programmes and AI integration teams can make it easier for employees to navigate the transition to AI technologies, and provide the support 30% want from their employer.
- More time: To meet the demands of 28% of their workforce, employers can allocate dedicated time within the work schedule for employees to explore AI tools, reducing the pressure to balance training with regular duties.
Unlock the potential of generative AI
A comprehensive adoption strategy is the key to helping employers unlock the potential of generative AI. This can start during the recruitment process to create efficiencies and provide a smoother candidate experience. Beyond recruitment, an adoption strategy can encompass comprehensive training and upskilling, while establishing mentorship programs and AI integration teams.
By providing financial incentives, career advancement opportunities, and public recognition, employers can also motivate staff to embrace AI and drive innovation. Through a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, organisations can fully realise the transformative potential of generative AI, enhancing productivity, creativity, and success.