According to a Ricoh Europe study, the use of AI tools in UK and Irish workplaces is increasing rapidly, however many organisations are failing to provide adequate training and guidance. The research reveals a significant governance gap as the adoption of AI outpaces the implementation of policies and procedures. Only 12% of companies offer training on AI utilisation, raising concerns about missed productivity benefits and potential misuse of the technology.
- Many UK&I businesses are not providing sufficient training and guidance on the use of AI tools in the workplace.
- Research shows that while 33% of employees use AI tools, only 12% have received training on how to utilise them.
- Implementing clear guidelines and offering dedicated training is crucial to ensure safe and productive use of automation tools and AI in the workplace.
The AI Training Gap: A Stumbling Block for Businesses?
Despite the growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in UK and Irish workplaces, there seems to be a shortfall in the provision of necessary training and governance. This revelation comes from a recent survey by Ricoh Europe, which highlights a significant gap between the utilisation of emergent technologies by employees and the organisational support backing this use.
Surprising Stats: AI Use vs AI Guidance
The study, conducted by Opinium, polled 1,000 workers across the UK and Ireland. It discovered that a third of employees are already using AI tools like Chat GPT. Yet, only 12% of companies have provided any training on how to effectively use these tools.
This lack of training and governance could potentially undermine the benefits of AI, including productivity gains, and lead to unintended consequences like misinformation spread. Additionally, only 14% of businesses have put risk management measures in place to ensure safe and transparent AI use, despite clear copyright and privacy risks.
The Collaborative Potential of AI and Automation
AI holds the promise of transforming our work, but to do so, it should work in harmony with other automation tools. Once basic processes are automated, businesses can then leverage more sophisticated AI capabilities on this groundwork.
CEO of Ricoh UK, Glenn Griggs, commented on this, stating:
“The rapid pace at which AI technologies are emerging, means organisations must bridge the governance gap to unleash the full potential of automation. To produce the most value for both employees and organisations, the adoption of targeted training and guidance can make the most of productivity gains and avoid potential pitfalls.”
The Way Forward: Training and Empowerment
With the right training and tools, 65% of UK and Irish employees believe they could deliver more value to their organisations. However, 68% agree that they need to learn more about these tools and their benefits before using them professionally.
CEO of Ricoh Europe, Nicola Downing, emphasised the importance of careful evaluation and appropriate training to maximise the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI, stressing that investing in upskilling employees is beneficial for both employees and customers.
Final Thoughts
The findings from Ricoh Europe’s survey underline the importance of proper governance and training in the use of AI tools, and while the adoption of AI is growing at a rapid pace, organisations must do more to support their employees in this technological transition. This isn’t just about mitigating risks – it’s about unlocking the full potential of AI and automation to the benefit of both employees and businesses. The future of work is here, and it’s time for companies to step up and bridge the training gap.
FAQ
Q: According to the Ricoh Europe study, what percentage of employees in the UK and Ireland are using AI tools in the workplace?
A: The research found that 33% of employees in the UK and Ireland use AI tools, such as Chat GPT.
Q: According to the Ricoh Europe study, how many UKI companies have offered training on how to utilise AI tools?
A: Approximately one in ten (12%) companies have offered training on how to utilise AI tools.
Q: According to the recent Ricoh Europe study, what percentage of businesses have implemented risk management measures for the safe use of AI?
A: A mere 14% of businesses have implemented risk management measures to ensure the safe and transparent use of AI.
Q: According to the recent Ricoh Europe study, what percentage of employees in the UK and Ireland believe they would deliver more value to their organisation with the right automation tools in place?
A: With the right automation tools and technology in place, 65% of employees in the UK and Ireland believe they would deliver more value to their organisation.
