“People are no longer afraid of the robots. They have experienced how AI and machine learning can improve the way they work in a very pragmatic way. And the more they use these technologies, the more excited they are about them.”
Emily He, Senior Vice President, HCM Marketing, Oracle
The latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning—from conversational user interfaces to blockchain and the Internet of Things—are rapidly being infused into mainstream business operations. As organizations eagerly embrace these new technologies, the relationship between human beings and machines in the workplace is undergoing major transformation. At the same time, AI is shaking up manager and employee dynamics and expectations.
Meanwhile, the potential payoff of AI is driving adoption of this technology at an unprecedented rate compared with previous technologies. The numbers speak volumes. As just one example, analysis by PWC predicts that AI could contribute up to a whopping $15.7 trillion to the global economy as soon as 2030. Of this, $6.6 trillion will likely come from increased productivity; $9.1 trillion, from consumption-side effects.
How can HR teams and managers help make sure that these relationships are reshaped so that organizations and their employees win now and in the future? To answer this question, Oracle partnered with research firm Future Workplace to survey more than 8,000 HR leaders, managers, and employees across 10 countries on their attitudes toward and behaviors regarding AI.
Our findings uncovered some startling developments. For instance, as many as 50% of our survey respondents this year said they’re currently using some form of AI at work. That’s an impressive jump from the 32% who said this in last year’s survey. Equally striking, people’s perceptions of these technologies—and how they interact with them—are changing as swiftly as the rate of adoption. While some individuals still express worry about potential job losses that could come with greater use of AI in the workplace, our study findings suggest that the majority of employees feel enthusiastic about these technologies.
Research findings are based on a global survey conducted on behalf of Future Workplace and Oracle by market research firm Savanta from July 2 to August 9, 2019. In total, 8,370 respondents completed the survey. The study was administered online and fielded in 10 different countries and in six languages. Permanent full-time employees between the ages of 18 and 74 were eligible to participate.
The survey included HR leaders, managers, and employees. Respondents were recruited through a number of mechanisms, via different sources, to join the panels and participate in market research surveys. All panelists passed a double opt-in process and completed, on average, 300 profiling data points before taking part in surveys. Respondents were invited to take part via email and were provided with a small monetary incentive for doing so.