While the vast majority (95 per cent) of workers said they appreciate the value of learning to use generative artificial intelligence tools, they’re unsure their organizations have their best interest in mind, according to a new report by Accenture Canada.
It found, while more than half (52 per cent) of employers are redesigning jobs and roles around generative AI, transparency is paramount since more than half (58 per cent) of workers are worried about job security with job displacement. Nearly two-thirds of employees said they’re concerned that generative AI may actually lead to an increase in stress and burnout, while only 37 per cent of managers recognized it as a concern.
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So far, just five per cent of organizations are actively reskilling their workforce at scale even despite increasing optimism about the opportunities attached to technology tools using AI. By helping employees enhance their AI skills, companies may be able to unlock two-thirds of an individual’s potential, which can then lead to a five per cent revenue boost, the report noted. A third (32 per cent) of business leaders noted talent scarcity from skills gaps or unawareness around AI tools are significant barriers in deploying the technology effectively.
However, more than half (53 per cent) of employees said they’re concerned about the quality of work that’s produced with support from AI tools, while just a fifth (21 per cent) of managers said they’re aware of this concern.
“While generative AI has the potential to bring about numerous benefits, it also raises ethical and societal concerns, including issues related to job displacement, data privacy, protection of intellectual property, bias and the responsible use of AI,” said the report. “The impact of generative AI on work will depend on how it is implemented, regulated and integrated into various industries and organizations.”
Read: Survey finds Canadian employers looking at AI to enhance worker productivity, but concerns remain