After all, Slack’s latest Workforce Index shows those who have adopted AI tools to automate certain tasks have experienced an increase in productivity and those who haven’t are wasting up to 41% of their time on “low value” and “repetitive tasks” that “lack meaningful contribution to their core job functions”.

However, according to a recent report by Workday, 93% of employees and business leaders have concerns about implementing a formal AI strategy to boost efficiencies and productivity, despite the gains an AI strategy could bring.

5 roles hiring across the UK

• Technology Lead – Cloud, Leidos, Whiteley
• Product Manager (Technology), Finning International, Cannock
• Technology Specialist – Workplace, Morrisons, Bradford
• Technology Engineer, Kier Group, Dummer
• Technology Partner, Valcon, London Area

“Humans inherently resist change, we saw this with the internet, and even the invention of electricity which caused social unrest at the time,” says Automated Analytics CEO, Mark Taylor.

“Now, we couldn’t live without both, and both innovations have been a force for good. Companies now have digital marketing teams to harness social media and e-commerce, and I don’t think it will be too long before we start to see companies introducing teams responsible for harnessing AI. As with adoption of all new technology, it will take time.”

Taylor believes that trust is a major issue when it comes to AI adoption at C-suite level and that while those who are embracing AI now can be considered early adopters, there will come a point where the proof of what AI can achieve for businesses cannot be ignored.

“Frustratingly, there is still widespread confusion amongst business leaders, across all company sizes, on what AI can do, and the plethora of benefits adoption can afford, from mitigating employee burnout, improving productivity, removing onerous administrative tasks not to mention significant cost savings which can be invested back into the company,” he adds.

“All too often I see companies unsure how AI tools can be introduced to their business. Many perceive AI to be vast and overwhelming, assuming adoption must be on a large scale to be effective. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as we have seen many of our clients implement our supervised AI software in small projects that have delivered significant results.”

BYOAI

If you are working for an organisation that is resisting AI at a leadership level, you could join the growing cohort of professionals who are bringing their own AI (BYOAI) to work.

Approximately 18 million people aged between 16-75 have already used generative AI tools in the UK, according to research from Deloitte.

And of those already using generative AI tools at work, 10% are doing so daily and 26% are doing so weekly.

“Employees are moving faster than their employers when it comes to adopting GenAI to transform how they work,” says Paul Lee, the partner and head of technology, media and telecommunications research at Deloitte.

“While workers are signalling that GenAI can boost their output and save them time, many employees may not be supported, encouraged, or explicitly endorsed to use the technology by their organisation.”

One way to tackle a lack of strategy and foster a more formal approach towards AI adoption is to showcase its capabilities to your manager or team lead.

From compiling data around how much time you saved completing a task to showcasing how specific AI tools such as Otter.ai can help streamline meetings or how Grammarly and Jasper AI can help you write more efficient emails, putting together a business case will show your manager that you are not only taking the initiative but looking for ways to drive the business forward.

However, if your employer is dragging their heels, it’s a good idea to take matters into your own hands and ensure that you’re up to speed on the latest tools by upskilling in your own time.

Or perhaps a fresh start in a more progressive company that is more aligned with your professional approach to advances in technology is worth exploring.

Because the AI revolution isn’t something far off in the future, it’s happening right now.

Looking for a role in a company that favours innovation? Visit the Information Age Job Board today

See also: Tips for making sure your AI-powered FP&A efforts are successful – AI has the potential to make business finance modelling projects more efficient and impactful, but only with the right approach