Employers told to have 'more appetite' to realise AI's benefits in workplace
More than eight in 10 knowledge workers in the Asia-Pacific region are already using artificial intelligence tools, as employers there are told to show "more appetite" in adopting the emerging technology at work.
This is according to the latest 2024 Work Trend Index from Microsoft and LinkedIn, which surveyed 31,000 people across the world, including APAC.
It found that 83% of knowledge workers in the region now use AI at work, with 88% saying they use it as they get started in the morning and get ready for the workday.
As a result, AI power users said they are able to save 30 minutes a day, with others saying the technology boosts their creativity and allows them to focus on their more important work.
Bringing personal AI tools to work
Despite the widespread use of AI tools, the report found that 79% of AI users in APAC bring their own tools to work.
"Employees are empowering themselves by adopting agile and innovative tools, oftentimes not pausing for the rollout of a coherent AI vision and roadmap from their organisation," said Ahmed Mazhari, president of Microsoft Asia, in a statement.
It makes them miss out on the potential benefits that come from strategic AI use, and puts company data at risk, according to the report.
Reluctant leaders on AI
More than four in five (84%) business leaders in APAC are aware that they need to adopt AI to stay competitive, according to the report. However, 61% are worried that their organisation's leadership lacks a plan and vision to implement AI tools.
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According to the report, leaders have the opportunity to channel employees' appetite for AI use to benefit their organisation.
"Leaders must demonstrate more appetite for rapid experimentation to realise the benefits of both productivity and increased metabolism in the industries they operate in," Mazhari said.
Feon Ang, managing director, Asia Pacific, LinkedIn, added that "fresh business approaches" will be needed amid the ongoing workplace transformation due to AI.
"With how rapidly our ecosystem is evolving, leaders who prioritise agility and invest in skill development gain a competitive edge by fostering an equipped workforce that is ready for AI," Ang said in a statement.