Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the workplace, but many employees are hesitant to admit they're using it. A recent study found that 75% of knowledge workers use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, but 52% are reluctant to admit it. This trend is driven by a desire to save time and keep up with workload, but it also raises concerns about security and data privacy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the workplace, with generative AI tools like ChatGPT becoming increasingly popular among knowledge workers. However, a new study by Microsoft and LinkedIn has revealed that many employees are hesitant to admit they're using AI, despite its benefits.
The study found that 75% of knowledge workers globally now use GenAI tools, a nearly twofold increase from just six months ago. Despite this widespread adoption, 52% of those who use AI said they are reluctant to admit it for their most important tasks.
This reluctance stems from several concerns. One is the fear of being seen as replaceable, as 53% of employees said they worry that using AI on critical tasks makes them look less valuable. Another concern is data privacy, as 68% of knowledge workers who bring their own AI (BYOAI) into the workplace say they have struggled to keep up with tasks due to data overload.
The BYOAI trend is not just happening among young folks. The study found it crossed all generations of workers, with 75% of millennials, 76% of Gen Xers, and 73% of baby boomers bringing their own AI tools into work.
So why the big jump in AI use? Ninety percent of the workers who use AI said the tools save them time. The findings also showed that a major driver of the trend is that employees say they cannot keep up with their workload, with 68% saying they struggle to keep up with the pace and volume of their work.
While utilizing AI tools in the workplace can enhance efficiency, the high percentage of workers who are keeping AI use a secret "puts company data at risk in an environment where leaders’ No. 1 concern for the year ahead is cybersecurity and data privacy," the report states.
Experts say that employers need to address the concerns of employees about AI use while also taking steps to protect company data. Leah Cooper, chief digital officer at Sedgwick, told FOX Business that as GenAI has become readily available at people's fingertips, employees are using the tools in their own lives outside the workplace.
"When they are not available in the workplace, employees might be tempted to expedite processes by using these tools, but it’s important to consider security as employers are under mandate to keep data safe," she said.
"Employers are faced with the challenge of locking down access to the tools that could expose a company to a data breach, but also finding a way to bring new technology into the workplace," Cooper added. "This is an imperative part of the AI governance and security posture of companies, and creating a framework that can adapt to impending regulations will help protect company data, limit restrictions and alleviate concerns as employees look to use these new tools."
As AI continues to reshape the workplace, it will be essential for employers and employees to work together to address the challenges and opportunities it presents.
