According to research, over a third (35%) of British employers think that artificial intelligence will increase productivity at work.
The study, commissioned and conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, found that AI will provide a competitive advantage to 12 percent, and increase workplace knowledge for 11 percent.
Additional 11 percent believed AI would allow more work to get done with less employees. Another 11 percent, however, saw no benefit to the technology.
Productivity boost
Niall Mackenzie is the Chief Executive Officer of Acas. He noted that employers are generally optimistic about AI’s potential to increase productivity.
Mackenzie stated that, “AI can empower workers to perform different tasks at work and assist them in completing these tasks.” Businesses should engage in early AI discussions with employees, unions, and other workers’ representatives to better understand its potential and ensure that it is adopted well-informed. A clear policy can help businesses to be transparent, safe and show their staff they are valued.
Early engagement and policy formulation
Acas advises employers to engage employees at an early stage in the introduction of AI to the workplace. They also emphasize the importance of consulting employees and their representatives, especially where AI use could lead to changes to terms and conditions of employment.
Transparency should be maintained in the way AI is integrated into jobs. Acas says that showing employees how AI can improve and support job functions helps to reassure them. The report also stresses that humans are still needed to oversee AI outputs, especially since AI can contain bias, errors or inappropriate tones.
AI is still a useful tool, but it should be used responsibly and with caution. Some employees may require training in order to use AI tools responsibly and effectively.
Privacy and data protection concerns are still paramount
AI adoption is expected to increase, and organisations will need to ensure that AI policies are aligned with their existing IT and data privacy policies. Acas warns employees to be careful when using public AI systems, because entering personal or sensitive data into these tools can result in an unintentional exposure of data. It advises IT teams to provide guidance on platforms that are approved and reminds users that AI use must adhere to the General Data Protection Regulations.
To properly manage AI, employers should ensure all employees are aware of their company’s expectations regarding data handling and AI. They should also understand how AI fits into the larger privacy framework.
