08-06-2024
The Upwork Research Institute (UPI) released the results of a new study on AI's workplace impact. UPI interviewed 2,500 people in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Most corporate leaders (96%) envision AI as a means to increase work productivity. However, 77% of employees report AI tools have added to their workload. Nearly half of those employees assert they do not know how to use these tools effectively. UPI's research demonstrates that bringing new technologies into “outdated work models and systems" does not achieve the expected productivity.
Eighty-five percent of employees work for companies that use AI tools to improve their companies' overall productivity. The report provides more details on what workers say about their experience.
- Workers say they feel stressed out from the increased productivity demands, with one-third sharing their intent to quit in the next six months. Most of the global C-suite leaders surveyed admitted to demanding more from their employees.
- While these leaders expect to see a productivity rise from AI, employees say their jobs have
become more difficult. They spend time reviewing and moderating AI-generated content, learning how to use the AI tools, and getting asked by their employers to produce more.
- Freelance workers are outpacing full-time employees when it comes to AI productivity. Almost half of those workers report being "somewhat" or "highly" skilled at using AI. More than half of these workers do not feel overburdened by the need to keep up with client demands.
Upwork, a gig work platform, recommends creating an AI-enhanced work model, “leveraging alternative talent pools that are AI-ready, co-creating 'measures of productivity' with employees, and using a skills-based approach to hiring and talent development."