Bosses want more AI in the workplace, but employees worry they will be replaced β or worse
In a world rapidly becoming more reliant on artificial intelligence, fueled by the immense popularity of ChatGPT and subsequent AI tools, a new Workday survey has revealed a significant AI trust gap in the workplace.
Employees continue to view AI tools in a skeptical light compared to their bosses, who are more likely to appreciate the opportunities when it comes to business transformation.
Yet there are still a large number of employees at all levels who still need to be convinced. Only six in ten (62%) C-suite executives are happy with AI, but among employees the figure is even lower: 52%.
The trust gap in AI calls for responsible implementation
The findings also reveal the extent to which employees lack confidence in their employers when it comes to job security: a fifth (23%) are not confident that their organization will put employees’ interests above their own when implementing AI, making them feel like they are spiraling out of control.
However, business leaders are against this idea. Nearly three-quarters (70%) say AI should be developed in a way that easily allows for human judgment and intervention. It’s clear that bosses see AI more as a human tool.
Research from Workday CTO Jim Stratton shows that leaders and employees lack confidence and understanding of their organization’s intentions regarding the use of AI in the workplace.
Stratton added: βTo help close this trust gap, organizations must take a comprehensive approach to AI accountability and governance, with a policy advocacy lens to help find the right balance between innovation and trust.β
Currently, four in five of the 4,000 employees from 15 countries surveyed by Workday say their company has not yet shared guidance on responsible AI use.
Going forward, it is clear that policies must be put in place that not only protect employees, but also meet their wants and needs in the workplace. The research highlights the importance of developing ethical standards in AI, which are part of a multifaceted approach to closing the trust gap that currently exists.