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MRA’s 2024 Hot Topic Survey on AI in the Workplace Shows Majority Has Only Basic Knowledge of AI
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 17, 2024) – MRA just released the results from its latest Hot Topic Survey on Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, which shows the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) varies across organizations. The majority of survey participants (62%) indicate that they have a “basic knowledge of AI.” No organizations shared that they have advanced (or applied theory) of AI. In terms of employee usage of AI, 76% percent of the employers indicated that 10% or less of their employees are currently testing AI.
Five percent of employers have an individual or department responsible for AI. The majority (75%) do not have anyone responsible for AI. Of those with a department responsible, 75% say that the responsibility lies with their information systems department. Thirteen percent are looking into developing an action plan for AI.
“No matter where an organization is regarding AI, the place to start is having a solid AI policy,” said Jim Morgan, MRA Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies. “Your AI policy can provide guidelines and a process for addressing AI use within an organization and can create structure around employee use of AI.”
MRA suggests that organizations should make it a point to communicate their stance on AI transparently and be clear about how it can be used in their organization.
According to MRA’s Hot Topic Survey, currently, 52% of employers have a policy of sorts in place for their employees or are in the process of implementing one.
AI has the potential to touch all business and operations within an organization. Survey results show that the top three areas that organizations think will have the most significant impact include:
- Communications (63%)
- Marketing (62%)
- Human Resources (57%)
Regarding some of the ways human resources are using AI to assist with their jobs are through:
- Job descriptions
- Employee communications
- Recruitment and hiring processes
Survey results show the majority (28%) have invested under $10,000 in AI, with 52% having yet to invest in AI.
Only 12% have conducted AI education for their employees regarding their position on acceptable use. The top three ways organizations have provided a baseline education include:
- All staff events
- Training course for group learning
- Company communications
When hiring new employees, the survey asked if organizations were attempting to hire someone with AI awareness.
- Yes, we are attempting to hire someone with AI awareness (0%)
- It depends on the position (48%)
- No, we are not attempting to hire someone with AI awareness (52%)
“AI has the potential to reshape how organizations work and conduct business,” added Morgan. “It is innovating the ways jobs are performed. At the same time, it is in its infancy in terms of the general public understanding how it works, where the shortcomings are, and how to use it safely and effectively. That is why education and guidelines for employees is critical.”
MRA’s Hot Topic Survey on AI in the Workplace was conducted December 4-8, 2023, with 219 organizations participating in the 15-question survey. For more information or to receive a more detailed copy of MRA’s Hot Topic Survey on AI, contact the Survey Department at 800.488.4845 ext. 3508 or email at [email protected].
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About MRA—The Management Association: Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves 4,500 employers, covering more than 1 million employees worldwide. As the largest employer association in the nation, MRA helps its members thrive by offering comprehensive HR services, talent management, learning and organization development opportunities, and total rewards planning. MRA helps organizations build a successful workplace and powerful workforce. Headquartered in Wisconsin, MRA has regional offices in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. To learn more about MRA, visit www.mranet.org.
