Microsoft and LinkedIn have recently published a report titled ‘AI at work is here. Now comes the hard part,’ which reveals that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in workplaces has nearly doubled in the last six months. The data was collected through an online survey of 31,000 people in 31 countries, as well as labor and hiring trends on LinkedIn and productivity data from Microsoft 365.
The report shows that AI is already transforming the way people work, lead, and hire globally. According to the survey, 75% of knowledge workers are using generative AI tools, highlighting its potential to improve decision-making, collaboration, and results in the workplace. However, despite its positive impact on employees, concerns about job replacement and the need for AI skills in the workforce remain prevalent. While 79% of business leaders see AI adoption as crucial for competitiveness, many worry about quantifying productivity gains and lack a clear implementation plan.
As a result of these concerns, employees are taking matters into their own hands by independently bringing AI tools to work without considering strategic benefits or compromising data security. This trend raises questions about how companies can effectively leverage AI while mitigating risks associated with it.
Microsoft has established itself as a leader in AI through partnerships like the one with OpenAI. The company’s CEO Satya Nadella highlights its potential to democratize knowledge and improve decision-making, collaboration, and results in the workplace. However, there is still a gap between the demand for AI skills and the availability of training opportunities which could lead to rising number of professionals considering a career change.
The report emphasizes that companies should invest in AI skills to stay competitive in the evolving workplace environment. It encourages businesses leaders to develop a clear implementation plan that takes into account both opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption. By doing so they can effectively leverage this technology while staying ahead of competition.