Companies constantly explore ways to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business landscape. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for workplace transformation.
From automating routine tasks to generating innovative ideas, AI is crucial to modern business strategies. But how are American workers embracing this new technology, and for which tasks are they using it most?
AI’s Implementation Is Improving Business Efficiency
Recent findings show that implementing AI has helped with mundane tasks, streamlining businesses’ processes. According to Preply, an online English courses platform, the most common ways in which AI is being used are brainstorming ideas (48%), creating emails (30%), generating images (21%), and writing articles (19%).
When using a human employee, each of these tasks can take up time and impact an organization’s resources. They can also be a burden on financial costs, which can then impact the ROI that is being obtained. By using AI, businesses can generate new ideas and produce new content without the need to pay a human and do it in a matter of seconds rather than potentially having to wait a significant period of time.
It’s something that can already be seen across the board. Several industries have already started to use AI to write emails to employees. According to the findings, two in five people believe they’ve received an AI-generated message from management. Sales representatives are thought to use the tech the most in this regard at 29%, and management at 27%. In terms of industry, 51% of those working in finance feel they have received a message written by a computer, with business and professional services (46%) and Health care (44%) accounting for the top three.
AI Scares Americans
The American workforce has started to be aware of the benefits that organizations are finding by implementing technology. This has led to some skepticism, especially as some numbers can be difficult for the nation’s workers to read.
Although 85% of Americans believe using AI will be an essential skill in the future, some 25% of the overall workforce are concerned that they will be replaced. They believe that if they do not stay ahead and learn how the technology works, they could fall behind and potentially lose their jobs. This isn’t far-fetched, as 7% stated that they have already seen at least one of their co-workers lose their job.
Americans Have Embraced AI at Work
While there is some reasonable fear, it does appear that businesses have been looking to incorporate AI into their processes to improve their ROI.
According to the study, almost half (49%) of respondents admitted to using AI on at least one occasion per week for work tasks. 52% of those in the ‘Baby Boomers’ category admitted to using it, with 51% of ‘Millennials’ stating that they did.
Findings also revealed that one in every three employees said their employer encourages them to use AI. Those who work in business and professional services received the most encouragement. This may be with the idea of streamlining processes and maximizing their ROI.
As a result, Americans are eager to improve their AI skills. 80% believe it can make work easier if they have the required skills, while 67% believe it will help them work faster. These two top motivations would be something that businesses would certainly benefit from, as they would be able to maximize their output. If they have tasks being completed more quickly, they can do more within the hours of a work day, which could result in greater profits. At the same time, if employees find their work easier, they can do more.
The Future of AI and the American Workforce
It is still too early to fully assess AI’s long-term impact on the workforce, but we are already witnessing significant early adoption, which is boosting efficiency in many industries. However, concerns about job security persist, with some fearing that AI could replace human roles.
Despite this, most employees recognize the importance of learning AI-related skills to stay competitive and improve their work performance. Workers across generations are developing AI skills, with many believing it will help them perform better and remain competitive.