Workers remain 'confused' about GenAI's value: Report

“Most workers said broadly they’re comfortable with AI in the workplace," says Mmhmm. “That said, people are otherwise confused. They know it’s here and show some desire to use AI-driven tools, but they’re confused about when it’s actually helping, what it’s doing, and whether even to trust what comes out.”

Currently, 26% of workers use AI assistance tools but don’t notice a difference in their work.

More than 4 in 10 (41%) workers admit to feeling pressure to adopt AI technologies in their role, according to a previous report from Robert Half.

_{Source: Mmhmm}

How are employees using AI at work?

Currently, more than half (55%) of workers find AI useful for summarizing large volumes of data, according to Mmhmm’s survey of 1,000 respondents.

Fewer (37%) are those who find value in AI in automating their work.

But the majority of workers do not view AI as something that would simply automate their work. In fact, 71% want the technology to help them make their own decisions.

Despite this, some workers still prefer to do their work without an assist from the technology. In fact, 20% of workers say they have AI assistance tools options, but they choose to ignore them. Meanwhile, 15% choose to avoid AI assistance tools altogether.

_{Source: Mmhmm}

Recently, two experts from McMillan LLP in Toronto noted the top 6 issues for employers using AI agents, including hallucinations, unfairness and bias in decision-making.

“Ultimately, companies may be better off staying away from the content creation side of generative AI, as it’s not clear whether the benefit will outweigh the cost,” says Mmhmm. “However, in places where AI can assist a human, such as helping a writer do better work or a graphic designer to create something even more compelling, it makes sense. In other words, don’t lose the humanity behind the work.”

Here’s how employers can use AI in the workplace effectively, according to UKG.

How do you create a GenAI company policy?

As GenAI adoption accelerates, employers must ensure its use aligns with workplace standards and values. Establishing clear policies is one way to manage both the benefits and risks effectively. However, policies around the use of AI appear to be falling behind the growing use of the emerging technology among HR professionals, according to a previous report.

Here’s how to create an AI policy, according to Randstad:

1. Assemble your experts - “Next to legal and privacy expertise, an effective generative AI policy will also require the input from the people that use it – whether they’re in marketing, engineering, HR or sales,” says the company.
2. Spread the word - Implement the policy through effective internal communication, training and discussion.
3. Make sure it allows room for innovation - “Focus on preventing the most serious risks in the policy, and use training and communication to show employees how important responsible AI use is,” says Randstad.

“When a technology as impactful as generative AI comes on the scene, it’s important to take a position on it as a company. Generative AI stands to change how your employees work and innovate, and it’s probably already widely used within your company. The list of benefits is long, but generative AI isn’t without its risks,” says Randstad.

“By creating a company policy governing the use of generative AI, you can start using the technology to its full potential – while minimizing the potential drawbacks.”

Late in 2024, the federal government launched the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI) to bolster Canada’s capacity to address AI safety risks.