Report: Despite positives, poor AI governance fuelling fear and misuse

A recent study has revealed growing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Conducted by GoTo, a cloud communications and IT company, in partnership with Workplace Intelligence, the research surveyed 2,500 employees and IT leaders from various countries. The findings suggest that while AI can boost productivity and reduce routine tasks, it also poses significant risks and challenges.

Eighty percent of participants fear they could be blamed or fired for AI mistakes, leading to avoidance of AI usage. Nearly a quarter of IT leaders reported AI errors that negatively impacted consumers, clients, or company finances. Ninety-one percent of IT leaders expressed concern about AI making future mistakes that could harm their company.

The research also found that only 24% of small businesses have an AI policy in place, compared to 36% of mid-size organizations and 53% of enterprises. This lack of guidance increases concerns among small and mid-size business employees. Additionally, 25% of employees feel safer blaming AI for mistakes rather than taking responsibility, and 55% admitted to not reviewing or double-checking AI outputs, even for high-stakes tasks.

Many employees also admitted to using AI outputs despite feeling they were low-quality or potentially containing errors.

Dan Schawbel, a managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, noted the emergence of a new workplace pressure where employees feel compelled to use AI to avoid appearing replaceable, but fear repercussions if it goes wrong. Companies that address this gap by providing training, policies, and support are best positioned to harness AI's full capabilities while fostering a more productive and confident workforce.