The latest Hot Topic Survey by MRA, with offices in Moline, shows the use of Artificial Intelligence varies across organizations with a majority of those surveyed citing only “a basic knowledge of AI.”
The employer association’s 2024 Hot Topic Survey on Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace found 62% have a “basic knowledge of AI.” But none of the participating organizations shared that they have advanced (or applied theory) of artificial intelligence.
In terms of employee usage of AI, 76% of the employers indicated that 10% or less of their employees are currently testing AI.
Only 5% of employers indicated that they have an individual or department responsible for AI. The majority (75%) do not have a dedicated department. Of those that do, 75% say that the responsibility lies with their information systems department. Only 13% are looking into developing an action plan for AI.
“No matter where an organization is regarding AI, the place to start is having a solid AI policy,” said Mitch Thomas, MRA’s executive director for Western Illinois & Iowa. “Your AI policy can provide guidelines and a process for addressing AI use within an organization and can create structure around employee use of AI.”
Why have AI guidelines?
MRA’s AI in the Workplace survey was conducted Dec. 4-8, 2023, with 219 organizations participating in the 15-question survey. Its previous survey looked at DEI practices in the workplace.
“AI has the potential to reshape how organizations work and conduct business,” added Mr. Thomas. “It is innovating the ways jobs are performed. At the same time, it is in its infancy in terms of the general public’s understanding of how it works, where the shortcomings are, and how to use it safely and effectively. That is why education and guidelines for employees are critical.”
MRA strongly suggests organizations communicate their stance on artificial intelligence transparently and be clear about how it can be used in their organization.
The survey results show 28% have invested less than $10,000 in AI, with 52% having yet to invest in AI.
The survey also showed that currently 52% of employers have a policy of sorts in place for their employees or are in the process of implementing one. Only 12% have conducted AI education for their employees regarding their position on acceptable use.
While AI has the potential to touch all business and operations, the results show that the top three areas organizations think will have the most significant impact include: Communications (63%); Marketing (62%); and Human Resources (57%). Among the ways that human resources departments are using AI to assist are through job descriptions, employee communications and recruitment and hiring processes.
For more information or to receive a more detailed copy of MRA’s Hot Topic Survey on AI, contact the Survey Department at (800) 488-4845 ext. 3508 or email Surveys@mranet.org.
