- Study finds 14% of workers use GenAI daily, 6% use agent AI daily, despite benefits
- Non-managers are the least likely to feel supported in terms of training
- PwC calls for greater transparency to keep workers informed about AI
PwC just published one of the biggest studies on the effects of AI in the workplace, revealing that productivity aids might actually be good news for workers after all – not that they’re using them as often as we might have thought.
Only 14% of workers reported using generative AI tools every day (up from 12% last year), and only half (54%) had used AI for their role in the past year.
Still, daily GenAI users reported tangible benefits in productivity (92% vs. 58%), job security (58% vs. 36%), and salary (52% vs. 32%) compared to their counterparts.
AI adoption is low, but the benefits are high
Daily GenAI usage may be low (14%), but daily agent AI adoption is even lower (6%). The PwC report suggests this could be related to career and training opportunities: although 72% of senior executives and 66% of managers feel they have sufficient learning resources, only 51% of non-managers feel the same.
Additionally, with only 43% of workers surveyed receiving a pay increase last year and 35% of workers feeling overwhelmed at least once a week, motivation to progress may be low and the appetite to change the way they work may not be present.
“Work itself needs to be redesigned and the partnership between humans and machines redefined. Getting it right will determine whether GenAI becomes a true driver of growth and inclusion, or a missed opportunity,” explained Pete Brown, global workforce leader at PwC.
To get it right, PwC suggests companies first recognize the uncertainty workers feel in entry-level positions; Addressing those concerns and opening dialogue will help them feel more supported.
“Workers thrive when they understand the plan – alignment with leadership increases motivation by 78%,” added Nicki Wakefield, global industry and customer leader.
Companies could also clearly communicate their vision for AI, including where they think it will help and the tools they intend to use.
Beyond this, access to training opportunities is a must, as is setting aside time to explore and experiment with these tools.
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