AI on the Horizon: Headspring Launches Research on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
London, 10 June 2019 – What does the future of work look like for those most likely to be impacted by automation? What does the rise of cognitive technology such as Artificial Intelligence mean for business leaders and their teams? Are people in the corporate world apprehensive about the security of their jobs?
These are some of the key questions that a new international report, launched today by Headspring, aims to answer. Headspring has partnered with YouGov to conduct a substantial survey with one key ambition: overcome misconceptions about AI and provide HR and L&D leader with applicable insights into how people working in their organisations understand the impact that AI is going to have on their jobs and their careers.
YouGov and Headspring surveyed a total of 4,515 people in seven countries: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and United Arab Emirates.
Commenting on the results, Headspring’s CEO Gustaf Nordbäck says: “It’s interesting to see the contrast in opinion among the office workforce and business leaders. While so many employees seem to be concerned about their roles with the introduction of AI, those in more senior roles are anticipating the benefits it can bring. It’s reassuring for workers to see that those in senior positions believe they will rely on humans over machines, demonstrating how AI can be harnessed alongside human decision making, rather than replacing it.
“In terms of the priorities office-based employees believe their leaders need to focus on before implementing AI, processes to manage the ethics of AI are high on the list, alongside effective communications. There is a high level of apprehension from the changes AI could bring, and therefore successful implementation of AI will require the business leaders to properly prepare their organisations and educate their staff before rolling out any changes.”
“With much talk of how the ‘age of AI’ is set to take over the workplace, it’s interesting to see how AI and specifically machine learning is being adopted in various industries. The financial services sector is already benefitting from the impact of AI across a variety of applications. Due to the vast amount of data readily available in the industry, the opportunities to leverage AI and machine learning are massive.
Key lessons for business leaders
The report provides insightful (and, in some cases, surprising) findings on people’s awareness about AI and on the difference of perceptions between leadership and mid-level professionals.
Leaders wishing to take the necessary and inevitable steps towards adoption of AI in their organisations would do well to listen to professionals’ views and recommendations. Leaders need to meet one of the key themes emerging from this report: employees feel a need for enhanced internal communication to manage potential negative perceptions.
Gustaf Nordbäck continues: “In terms of the priorities, the workforce believes their leaders need to focus on before implementing AI, processes to manage the ethics of AI are high on the list, alongside effective communications. There is a high level of apprehension from the changes AI could bring, and therefore successful implementation of AI will require the business leaders to properly prepare their organisations and educate their staff before rolling out any changes.”
To download the report, click here.