Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in the business world, with many companies eager to embrace this technology. A recent study by Hays Ireland found that 70% of employers are keen to incorporate AI in the workplace, with customer service and contact centers, banking and finance, cyber security, accountancy and finance, and education being the industries expected to be impacted the most by the technology.
While some employees are excited about the introduction of AI, others are more cautious. The study revealed that 55% of staff surveyed said they trust AI, while only 12% said they did not trust it. Meanwhile, 33% of employees surveyed were unsure, saying they neither trust nor distrust AI.
The research also found that employees are more cautious about the introduction of AI. While 57% of staff surveyed said they believe workplaces should embrace AI, only 35% of employers expect AI tools to change the type of tasks carried out by their employees in the future. Furthermore, 34% of employers expect the technology to lead to increased tasks for their staff.
So what does this mean for the future of work? Industry leaders and policymakers face the daunting task of regulating the technology and putting the necessary safeguards in place. Maureen Lynch, Director at Hays Ireland, believes that “Artificial intelligence represents the latest frontier for technological innovation, and it is already having a transformative impact on how organisations, both big and small, do business.”
However, Lynch also highlights the need for caution when it comes to the introduction of AI in the workplace. “It is important for companies to consider the impact that AI will have on their workforce, and to ensure that they have the necessary skills and training in place to deal with the changes that will inevitably come.”
Despite concerns around the impact of AI on the workforce, there is no denying the potential benefits that the technology can bring. AI will free up professionals from more routine work and will allow them to focus on more high-value work. This is particularly true in industries such as customer service and contact centers, where AI tools such as ChatGPT are already being used regularly to handle routine inquiries.
Looking to the future, it seems likely that AI will become increasingly prevalent in the workplace. 69% of companies are currently using AI tools regularly, and this number is only set to grow in the coming years. Indeed, some experts predict that 2023 may be remembered as the year that AI went mainstream.
However, as with any new technology, there are risks associated with the introduction of AI. It is essential for companies to ensure that they have the necessary safeguards in place to protect their employees and customers, and to ensure that the technology is used ethically and responsibly.
In conclusion, while AI undoubtedly has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, it is critical for companies to approach the technology with caution. By putting the necessary safeguards in place and ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and training to deal with the changes that will inevitably come, companies can ensure that they are well placed to reap the benefits of this exciting new technology.
