The Age Gap in the AI Era
AI is rapidly transforming industries worldwide as companies aim to optimize their operations and gain a competitive edge. From healthcare to finance, manufacturing to retail, AI is being used to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and drive innovation. However, like many disruptive technologies, the older generation may be left behind. A recent Seismic study shows that 61% of businesses in the UK are encountering resistance from employees when it comes to adopting new technologies. This resistance and fear of being replaced by AI can hinder organizations from fully embracing the potential of this transformative technology.
Looking at Australia, last year Salesforce hired the market research firm YouGov to survey how Australians were using generative AI at work and to gauge their feelings about productivity, security, privacy, ethics, and safety. The study found that 82% of participants believed that generative AI was making them more productive at work. The study also revealed that 90% of Australian workers were using AI in their daily tasks, with 68% using generative AI tools. However, only 17% stated that they had received comprehensive training from their employer on how to use AI safely.
According to Microsoft and LinkedIn’s annual Work Trend Index, 84% of Australian workers are using generative AI in the workplace, which is a higher percentage compared to Europe and North America. This technology has been rapidly adopted in Australian workplaces, with employees utilizing various AI tools to improve their productivity and creativity. The report highlights three key themes and actions related to the impact of AI in the workplace:
1. Employees are eager to use AI at work and are not willing to wait for companies to catch up. The majority of Australian workers using generative AI believe that it saves time, enhances creativity, and allows them to focus on their most important work.
2. AI is starting to influence the job market, with more people considering a career change. The report suggests that there are job opportunities available, and those with AI skills will have an advantage in the job market.
3. The research reveals four types of AI users, ranging from sceptics who rarely use AI to power users who extensively utilize it. It shows that AI power users have significantly transformed their workdays, reimagining business processes and saving over 30 minutes per day.
The age gap in the AI era poses challenges and opportunities for individuals and society as a whole. The Mercer Global Talent Trends 2024 research emphasizes that only 45% of employees trust their organization to teach them the skills they will need if their job changes due to AI and/or automation.
Employers are obligated to provide AI education and upskilling opportunities for all employees to ensure their competitiveness and relevance in the evolving digital landscape. By offering training programs and resources, businesses can empower their workforce to acquire the necessary skills to effectively integrate AI technologies into their roles. This proactive approach not only benefits individual employees by enhancing their career prospects but also enables companies to stay ahead of the curve in leveraging AI for improved productivity and innovation.
