Since the introduction of ChatGPT, major global corporations have been eager to publicize their adoption of advanced AI tools. However, a significant number of employees report feeling hindered by what they perceive as their superiors’ “digital illiteracy,” which they argue impedes the productivity gains promised by AI.
Research conducted by tech.io in 2023 revealed that two-thirds of business leaders had scarcely implemented new AI technologies in their workplaces due to a lack of awareness about their potential benefits. Employees express that this hesitation is limiting their efficiency. A survey by the STEM advisory group SThree found that employees are reportedly losing six hours per week to manual tasks that could be automated with appropriate tools. About 63% of respondents believed the primary reason for this lack of adoption was their bosses’ insufficient digital knowledge.
SThree gathered insights from various workers, including a Dutch construction worker who noted a noticeable decline in motivation due to limited access to up-to-date AI tools. A Japanese engineer also commented on the time spent on repetitive tasks that could easily be automated.
In Europe, although the continent trails the U.S. concerning large tech companies—with Nvidia, Google, and Meta leading the AI boom—there are indications that major European firms, primarily from industrial sectors, are integrating AI into their operations. Companies like Volkswagen are incorporating chatbots for in-car entertainment and exploring AI for improved safety and automation. Moreover, Shell is utilizing AI for optimizing drilling operations and predictive maintenance.
Mark Read CBE, CEO of advertising giant WPP, mentioned that the critical question for European companies is how they can more assertively leverage AI, irrespective of its origins, citing the vast potential to capitalize on global investments worth billions of dollars.
Despite this, SThree’s analysis suggests that employees in non-tech sectors lack access to the latest automated technologies. Some workers are beginning to use AI clandestinely; a Salesforce report found that one in five employees are “underground” AI users, concealing their tech usage from colleagues and superiors due to uncertainty about workplace rules and expectations.
This research provides a counterpoint to the notion that employees are resistant to AI out of fear of job replacement. Although many customer service workers are concerned about AI potentially taking their jobs—highlighted by tech companies like Klarna considering workforce reductions—there is a growing sentiment that leaders need to align with their teams’ pace of AI adoption to avoid becoming obstacles to organizational growth and employee satisfaction.
Timo Lehne, CEO of SThree, emphasized the reality of job security concerns around technological advancements and advised leaders not to overlook them. He underscored the importance of embracing AI to prevent becoming a barrier to future growth and to reduce escalating employee frustration.
