FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
A new survey from workplace experts, Acas has revealed more than a third (35 per cent) of employers think that artificial intelligence (AI) will increase productivity.
Acas commissioned YouGov to ask employers in Britain what they thought was the most important benefit of AI at work.
The survey also found that:
- 12 per cent thought AI would give a competitive edge.
- 11 per cent thought it would increase knowledge.
- 11 per cent thought more work would be done with fewer staff.
- 11 per cent thought there would be no benefit.
Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said: “Our survey shows optimism amongst some employers about the potential for AI to boost their productivity, decrease costs and increase knowledge.
“Used responsibly, AI has the potential to empower workers and support the delivery of different workplace tasks.
“Businesses should be proactive in having early discussions about AI with staff, trade unions, and other worker representatives to understand the potential implications and ensure its adoption is well-informed. A good clear policy will help businesses stay safe, transparent and reassure staff that they are valued.”
Acas has provided some top tips for employers on the use of AI at work, these include
- Employers should develop clear policies regarding the use of AI in the workplace and should consult employees and any representatives on its introduction. If there is an expectation that certain roles begin using AI, that could mean a change of terms and conditions.
- Employers investing in AI should highlight how it can improve employees’ roles and reassure staff that human involvement will still be needed.
- Organisations should remember that AI is not perfect, so outputs should be checked for accuracy, tone and bias. AI should be cited when used and staff may require training on how to get the best outputs.
- A company’s data privacy policies will apply for the use of AI, and it is wise to check with your IT team for approved platforms. Employees should be careful entering any information that is business sensitive or personal into public tools. Any information that you do enter could be made public or used by others, so check company policies on the use of AI in the workplace and be aware of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
There is a lot of debate around the introduction of AI at work and a growing recognition of the need for more detailed guidance around its use. Acas is holding a special conference today (15 May) where experts will debate the introduction of AI in workplaces. It will discuss the type of new roles and opportunities that AI could create and the risks employers should consider when introducing AI.
Workplace management solutions provider, Matrix Booking, has published a new free guide on how to create workspaces that meet the demands of the current and future workforce.
For those businesses looking to encourage more employees into the office, or wanting to improve their experience overall, ‘How facilities and workplace managers can shape the office of the future’ provides insights and the tools you need to ensure your environment meets the changing nature of employee preferences, employer requests, and evolving styles of work.
To download the guide click here.
