Employees Ahead of Their Managers: 48% of respondents use artificial intelligence, with 18% using it daily. However, only 16% have received training in this domain. A mere 18% of organizations have put risk management measures in place. Strategic guidelines are needed for automation: 57% of respondents believe technology enhances efficiency, yet 67% want to better understand its benefits first.
Recent research from Ricoh indicates that employees are becoming increasingly confident in utilizing tools powered by artificial intelligence. In contrast, employers continue to lag in terms of providing training and implementing guidelines for such tool usage.
Almost half of the respondents are using applications like ChatGPT, with 18% doing so on a daily basis. The data paints a bleaker picture when it comes to the adoption of tool usage procedures – only one in six companies surveyed have offered training in this domain. Without proper guidelines and raising employee awareness, companies run the risk of inappropriate or illegal AI use.
Another statistic corroborates this – only 18% of companies have rolled out risk management measures, addressing, among other things, copyright laws. Regulatory compliance should not be overlooked by organizations. Coupled with dedicated training, implementing procedures will help in harnessing technology for tangible benefits.
The employees see this themselves – 69% of those surveyed believe that, with the right tools, they could contribute more value to their organizations. In what exact way? 67% of experts would only be able to pinpoint this after acquainting themselves with the benefits on offer. Investments in training will provide stakeholders with a clear view of the possibilities presented by emerging technologies.
“Companies are beginning to realize that, through smart automation tools, they can improve processes: making them faster and more efficient. They also offer the potential to unlock the full potential of employees, regardless of their work location. However, our study indicates that employees in Europe still aren’t receiving the necessary guidance from their superiors on safely utilizing artificial intelligence, even though many use it daily. Without the proper safeguards, companies might face risks such as copyright breaches, regulatory infringements, and, consequently, reputation damage. Organizations that ensure clear guidelines and equip teams with the essential skills and tools will be poised to fully leverage technological capabilities. Furthermore, investments in skills enhancement are beneficial not just for employees but also for customers,” commented Nicola Downing, CEO of Ricoh Europe.
About the Study
The research was conducted by the Opinium research center, involving 6,000 employees from various European countries. The results highlighted discrepancies between the adoption of technology and organizational commitment to support and manage artificial intelligence.
