Employee AI Literacy Disconnect in the Workplace
Employee AI Literacy Disconnect in the Workplace
Slingshot, the work management platform from software company Infragistics that brings data to the center of everything teams work on, has released Part 1 of its two-part 2024 Digital Work Trends Report. This second annual report highlights a disconnect between managerial expectations for AI in the workplace and how employees are utilizing AI in their daily tasks. Employers have implemented AI primarily to support initial research (62%), manage workflows (58%), and analyze data (55%). However, nearly two-thirds of employees (63%) are using AI mainly to double-check their work.
Workplace Transformation and AI Implementation
Dean Guida, Founder of Slingshot, notes that the workplace continues to experience significant transformation as more employers incorporate AI tools to enhance efficiency and productivity. He emphasizes that there is a misalignment between the specific intentions employers have for AI and employees’ actual usage of these tools. Much of this misalignment can be attributed to a lack of education and training on AI tools among employees.
Employee Training and Perception of AI Effectiveness
The report, based on research conducted by Dynata on behalf of Slingshot, reveals that only 23% of employees feel fully educated and trained on AI. In contrast, 72% of employers believe their employees have received adequate training, yet only 53% of employees share this sentiment. This discrepancy extends to gender differences in AI training perception, with two-thirds (66%) of males feeling adequately trained compared to only 44% of females.
Key Findings from the 2024 Digital Work Trends Report
The report outlines several pivotal findings:
- Employers perceive AI as a productivity booster: Over half (60%) of employers believe that AI significantly increases productivity, while only 44% of employees report a similar experience. Notably, 10% of employees indicate that AI has no positive impact on their productivity.
- Time savings reported by employees: A significant 79% of employees state that AI saves them 1-2 hours a day, and 37% claim they save 3-4 hours. With this extra time, 63% are managing their workload more efficiently, and 54% re-prioritize tasks.
- Insufficient data readiness: Nearly half (45%) of employers acknowledge that their company’s data is not yet prepared for effective AI implementation. Issues stem from siloed data across departments, rendering AI ineffective without centralized information. Additionally, 32% of employees believe their company would be better equipped to support AI with more comprehensive training.
Unlocking AI's Full Potential
Guida stresses that AI can transform workplace dynamics by allowing teams to automate mundane tasks and focus on higher-level strategic projects. To harness AI's full potential, both employers and employees must prioritize the preparation of their operations, starting with essential data centralization, enhancing education around AI usage, and investing in reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
About Slingshot
Slingshot is a comprehensive work management platform that provides teams a singular space to collaborate, make data-driven decisions, manage projects, share content, and set goals. By connecting teams with the necessary resources to optimize workflows, Slingshot aims to enhance productivity and eliminate disruptions caused by constant app-switching. The AI-powered platform centralizes data in workflows, enabling teams to make informed decisions efficiently and drive growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Slingshot's 2024 Digital Work Trends Report?
The report focuses on the disconnect between managerial expectations of AI use and the actual usage patterns of employees in the workplace.
What percentage of employees feel trained on AI?
Only 23% of employees feel fully educated and trained on AI, highlighting a significant training gap.
How do employers perceive AI’s impact on productivity?
While 60% of employers believe AI enhances productivity, only 44% of employees report that they feel more productive due to AI.
What challenges do companies face in implementing AI?
A major challenge is that 45% of employers say their data is not ready for AI implementations, complicating effective use of AI tools.
How does Slingshot aim to improve team productivity?
Slingshot aims to improve productivity by centralizing data and enhancing collaboration, ultimately allowing teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than routine processes.
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