WX trends: AI literacy in the workplace and why it matters
Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts, and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.
This WX trends dives into the growing importance of AI literacy in the workplace, the gap between AI adopters and those falling behind, and why organizations should consider prioritizing AI initiatives at work.
How are people using AI at work?
Nearly seven in 10 employees say they never use AI in their role at work, while one in 10 say they use it at least weekly, according to Gallup research.
While some industries are naturally further ahead in AI adoption, these stats point to a growing “AI skills gap” that threatens to leave many workers unprepared for the future.
“This disparity between the buzz around AI and its actual workplace integration is interesting,” says Stan Stephens, Chief Product Officer at Appspace.
“Factors like limited access to AI tools, inadequate training, and even fear of change contribute to this lag.”
Those who are using AI are seeing the benefits, with 45% reporting increased productivity and efficiency. Gallup’s research shows these early adopters are using AI to generate ideas (41%), consolidate information or data (39%), and automate basic tasks (39%).
AI literacy is key to unlocking acceptance
Simply having access to AI tools isn’t enough though. A recent global survey by SAP underscores the importance of AI literacy – a deep understanding of how AI works and its potential applications.
SAP’s findings reveal a stark divide: 70% of employees with high AI literacy anticipate positive outcomes from using AI at work, compared to just 29% of those with low AI literacy. This gap influences everything from performance expectations to views on how AI should impact compensation and promotions.
Despite varying views on coworker AI use, the findings also revealed that most people want to work for companies that use AI in their hiring practices. This suggests that AI could improve efficiency and fairness in talent acquisition.
AI won’t replace your job, but someone who knows AI will
The message is clear: AI literacy isn’t just about staying relevant – it could be crucial for career security. As Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang bluntly stated at Nvidia’s October AI Summit: “the person who uses AI to automate that 20% is going to take your job.”
Huang envisions a future where AI is integrated into a human’s role, operating as “assistants” that help us become more productive.
Stephens points out that integrating AI into the workplace is an ongoing evolution. “The key is not to fear AI, but to use it to augment our own abilities and create a more efficient and fulfilling work experience.”
To the doubters, he says this: “Try it. Pick one routine, low-stakes task. Track the time it takes and the quality of the output. And the impact will become clear pretty quickly.”
Learn how Appspace is integrating AI into the workplace experience with Appspace Intelligence.
