Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical component of modern workplaces, and its use has become more widespread. The reliability of the AI system in the workplace is of paramount importance. While AI technologies can potentially transform workplaces, their use must be balanced with their reliability.

One significant advantage of AI in the workplace is its ability to improve decision-making and reduce errors. AI systems can help businesses save time and money by automating repetitive tasks and providing data insights that aid in informed decision-making. However, there are risks associated with over-reliance on AI, including potential algorithmic biases and technical limitations, which can affect the accuracy of AI results.

Another issue with using AI in the workplace is that employees may become complacent and less innovative. AI systems should be used as complementary tools to augment employee productivity rather than as a replacement for human creativity and problem-solving abilities. Organizations should encourage employees to think critically and creatively about their work while also providing training and support on how to use AI systems effectively.

Hence, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a survey on dependence of artificial intelligence at workplace to gather public perceptions on this matter.

Highlights

● Implementing AI could automate tedious and repetitive tasks, said 15.6%.
● 12.96% say excess reliance on AI may result in becoming too dependent on technology.
● Almost half of the respondents (49.72%) agree that employees are likely to become heavily reliant on AI tools for assistance, which would reduce creativity and productivity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly popular buzzword that is rapidly transforming workplaces across a wide range of industries. According to Real Research’s recent survey, the vast majority of respondents (81.98%) are familiar with the concept of AI, indicating a widespread awareness of its potential impact.

However, a notable minority (18.02%) are not familiar with AI, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness about this transformative technology.

The following poll discusses the use of AI-based programs in workplaces. 66.62% of the respondents noted that they use any type of AI-based programs at work compared to 33.38% who don’t.

In addition, we inquired with the respondents who reported not using any AI in the workplace about the reasons behind their decision. A majority of 36.2% said that their jobs do not require the use of AI, whereas 17.05% said they were not aware of any relevant AI programs for their type of job/tasks.

12.26% noted that they do not know how to leverage AI tools, and 7.48% said using AI would complicate their jobs.

Exploring the Impact of AI Technology in the Workplace

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology rapidly changing the nature of work across many industries. From chatbots and virtual assistants to predictive analytics and automated decision-making, AI technologies are being integrated into many workplaces to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making.

However, the impact of AI on jobs and the workforce remains a topic of debate, with concerns ranging from job displacement to potential bias in decision-making algorithms.

According to our survey results, 21.09% of the respondents stated that AI has made their job easier and more efficient, 14.59% noted that AI had reduced their workload significantly, and 12.95% said AI had no significant impact on their job.

Figure 1 Use of AI in the workplace.
Figure 1: Use of AI in the workplace.

On the other hand, 11.86% do not use AI in their workplace, 11.65% stated AI has made their job more tedious, and 11.54% stated that it made their job more complex and confusing.
Balancing AI Reliance and Employee Creativity in the Workplace

While incorporating AI technology in the workplace may appear beneficial, it is possible that employees may rely too heavily on such tools for support, resulting in reduced creativity or productivity.

In this poll, we asked our respondents what they thought about this statement. A majority of 49.72% indicated a strong agreement, whereas 28.35% somewhat agreed. In contrast, 2.21% somewhat disagreed, and 0.56% strongly disagreed. Notably, 19.16% of the respondents remained neutral on this matter.

Examining the Potential Negative Impacts of AI on Employee Productivity and Job Performance

In response to our poll on the potential negative impact of excessive reliance on AI in the workplace, 12.96% of the respondents indicated that it could lead to over-dependence on technology by employees, ultimately affecting their productivity and performance. In addition, 12.52% said that AI might limit creativity and originality.

Figure 2 Ways that excess use of AI could negatively impact job performanceproductivity.
Figure 2: Ways that excess use of AI could negatively impact job performance/productivity.

11.91% stated that AI might cause employees to lose touch with the human element of their work and 10.93% stated that it could lead to a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Examining the Benefits of AI in the Workplace

On the other hand, 15.6% stated that AI could automate tedious and repetitive tasks, followed by AI could help make better use of time and resources (15.39%), AI could enhance the overall efficiency of the workplace (14.24%), and AI could lead to a decrease in workload significantly (13.46%).

Figure 3 Ways that the use of AI could positively impact job performanceproductivity.
Figure 3: Ways that the use of AI could positively impact job performance/productivity.

Lastly, we examined the participants on how organizations and companies can effectively balance the advantages of AI with the importance of human creativity and innovation in the workplace.

According to the findings, 20.59% of respondents suggested providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills and ways of thinking that complement the use of AI technology.

19.98% of respondents stated to evaluate the impact of AI on employee productivity, job satisfaction, and innovation on a regular basis and adjust their approach accordingly.

Furthermore, 16.81% stated that investing in training and development programs that focus on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and 16.07% stated that fostering an innovation and creativity culture that encourages employees to think beyond AI limitations. Notably, 12.27% stated none of the above options.

Methodology

 
Survey TitleSurvey on Dependence of Artificial Intelligence at Workplace
DurationMarch 24, 2023– March 31, 2023
Number of Participants10,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia,… Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.