Recent findings from a new Slack report suggest that the excitement surrounding generative AI might be waning. They surveyed over 17,000 desk workers globally, and the results show that while there’s interest in AI, actual adoption is lagging. This is surprising, considering the buzz that’s built up over the past year.
Christina Janzer, head of Slack’s Workforce Lab, pointed out that “AI adoption isn’t just about enterprises; it’s also about employees.” With declining enthusiasm for AI, businesses need to help staff feel more comfortable with it and tackle the cultural and structural obstacles that may be holding them back.
From September 2023 to March 2024, Slack noted a steady increase in AI usage, with 32% of desk workers using it at its peak. But that number hasn’t gone up much recently. For example, in the U.S., only 1% more of desk workers reported using AI over the past few months. Excitement around AI has also dipped, dropping 6% worldwide and 12% in France alone.
Interestingly, almost all executives surveyed—99%—plan to invest in AI this year. But there’s a stark contrast in employee sentiment. Nearly half of the workers said they would hesitate to disclose their AI usage to their managers, fearing it might come off as cheating or suggest they aren’t competent. It’s not about being uncomfortable using AI itself; it’s more about the perception surrounding it.
As many employees worry that AI will actually lead to more mundane work, rather than less, the belief that the technology might not be living up to expectations looms large. Janzer noted, “Employees worry that the time they save with AI will end up increasing their workload, with higher expectations for output.” Workers seem more interested in using any saved time for personal activities or skill-building, yet they often anticipate having to tackle even more administrative tasks.
For team leaders aiming to change perceptions about AI, Slack has some practical suggestions:
1. Host team-building exercises centered on AI.
2. Highlight successful AI use within the organization through clear communication.
3. Set an example by demonstrating AI use in their own work.
4. Provide training that focuses on developing AI skills.
5. Revisit the definition of productivity to emphasize creative outcomes.
Slack also advocates for short, impactful training sessions—breaking it down to just 10 minutes a day can yield impressive results. Chrissie Arnold, a director at Workforce Lab, emphasized that effective AI training doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
