A study by freelance platform Upwork found that artificial intelligence software reduces productivity and has a negative impact on the working environment.
The survey results seem to call into question how AI is currently being implemented, with a lack of understanding among staff and management about objectives and expectations. The data suggests there is still a long way to go before the benefits of the evolving technology are fully realized.
of the study The study, commissioned by Upwork and conducted by Walters earlier this year, surveyed 2,500 workers across the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Respondents included 1,250 C-suite executives, 625 full-time salaried workers and 625 freelancers, spanning ages from 18 to 78.
One of the key findings from the survey indicates a disconnect is looming: Management expects and encourages employees to use AI to improve productivity, but further demand comes at a cost.
According to the survey, “71% report feeling burned out and nearly two-thirds (65%) report struggling with increased employer demands.” “Surprisingly, one in three employees say they are likely to leave their job in the next six months because of burnout or overwork.”
Managers also want their staff to expand their skill sets (35%), take on wider responsibilities (30%), return to the office (27%), work more efficiently (26%) and work longer hours (20%).
Workplace leaders expect generative AI to help improve productivity compared to existing levels (96%), with 39% of companies surveyed already deploying AI tools and encouraging the use of the technology.
Unable to Unlock AI Productivity Value
The dividends have yet to come, and the average worker is not feeling the benefits: Nearly half (47%) of workers who are already using AI say they don’t know how to achieve the expected productivity gains, and 77% say AI tools are having the opposite effect, reducing productivity and further increasing their workload.
An interesting paradox is that while 65% of employees expect machine learning to make them more productive, the reality is far from that perception.
40% of workers believe AI will demand too much from them. There is a noticeable lack of readiness, with 37% of C-level leaders at companies using AI assessing their employees as skilled and ready to use the tools, compared to only 17% of workers who agree.
Nearly all executives (96%) believe AI will improve productivity, but just over a quarter (26%) have training courses in place and only 13% report a “well-implemented AI strategy.”
The survey illustrates the disconnect around AI in the workplace, which is reflected in comments from Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, who said:
“Our research shows that introducing new technology into outdated work models and systems will not unlock the full productivity value expected from AI.”
“AI can indeed make employees more productive and happier at the same time, but it will require a fundamental change in how we organize our talent and work.”
Image credit: Ideogram
