How AI is becoming a secret weapon for workers
Companies should completely rethink their integration of AI, rather than turning a blind eye to those employees that use the technology covertly. (Envato Elements pic)
PARIS : Artificial intelligence is fast becoming part of everyday working life, promising productivity gains and a transformation of working methods. Between enthusiasm and caution, companies are trying to harness this tech and integrate it into their processes.
But behind the official rhetoric, a very different reality is emerging: many employees are adopting these tools discreetly, out of sight of their managers. A recent survey conducted by software company Ivanti shows the extent of this under-the-radar adoption of AI, revealing one-third of employees surveyed use AI tools without their supervisors' knowledge.
There are several distinct reasons for this covert strategy. For 36% of them, it is primarily a matter of gaining a 'secret advantage' over their colleagues, while 30% of respondents fear that revealing their dependence on this technology could cost them their jobs.
This is understandable, considering that 29% of employees are concerned that AI will diminish the value of their skills in the eyes of their employer.
The figures reveal an explosion in clandestine use: 42% of office workers say they use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT at work. Among IT professionals, this proportion reaches an impressive 74%. And close to half of office workers use AI tools not provided by their company.
Underestimating the risks
This covert use exposes organisations to considerable risks: unauthorised platforms do not always comply with security standards or corporate data-protection requirements. From confidential data and business strategies to intellectual property, anything and everything can potentially be fed into AI tools unchecked.
'It is crucial for employers to assume this is happening, regardless of any restrictions, and to assess the use of AI to ensure it complies with their security and governance standards,' stressed Brooke Johnson, chief legal counsel at Ivanti.
Employers should encourage open dialogue to foster transparency and collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed safely and effectively. (Envato Elements pic)
The survey also reveals a troubling paradox: while 52% of office workers believe that working more efficiently simply means doing more work, many prefer to keep their productivity gains to themselves. This mistrust is accompanied by an AI-fuelled impostor syndrome, with 27% of users saying they don't want their abilities to be questioned.
This situation highlights a huge gap between management and employees: although 44% of professionals surveyed say their company has invested in AI, they simultaneously complain about a lack of training and skills to use these technologies effectively. This disconnect betrays a poorly orchestrated technological transformation.
In the face of this silent revolution, Johnson advocates a proactive approach: 'Organisations should implement clear policies and guidelines for the use of AI tools, along with regular training sessions to educate employees on the potential security and ethical implications.'
This survey suggests that companies should completely rethink their integration of AI, rather than turning a blind eye to this legion of secret users. The stakes go beyond mere operational optimisation: the most successful organisations will need to balance technological use with the enhancement of human potential.
By encouraging open dialogue, employers can foster transparency and collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed safely and effectively. Ignoring this silent revolution runs the risk of deepening mutual distrust between management and employees, to everyone's detriment.
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