Many companies are incorporating Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into their workplace without proper policies or training to ensure its smooth implementation. A research by ISACA, a tech professional body, found that 17% of European organizations have a formal policy on the use of AI technologies. However, 45% reported that GenAI was permitted in their organization, a significant increase from 29% six months ago. Moreover, 62% of surveyed individuals use GenAI to create written content, boost productivity, and automate repetitive tasks.
The survey also revealed a lack of understanding regarding AI among business and IT professionals. While 30% of organizations provide some limited AI training to employees in tech-related roles, 40% offer no training at all. Additionally, 74% of professionals claimed to be only somewhat familiar or not familiar at all with generative AI. Despite this lack of awareness, 61% expressed concerns about the potential exploitation of GenAI by malicious actors.
Misinformation and disinformation were identified as the biggest risks of AI by 89% of professionals, but only 21% were confident in their ability to spot them. Regarding ethical concerns, 25% believed organizations paid sufficient attention to AI standards, while only 23% thought organizations appropriately addressed issues such as data privacy and bias risks. Furthermore, 38% of respondents expected AI to eliminate many jobs within the next five years, although 79% believed that jobs would be modified by AI.
The survey, which included 601 business and IT professionals in Europe, emphasized the need for better understanding of AI in the workplace. According to Chris Dimitriadis, the chief global strategy officer at ISACA, organizations must comprehend the technology to create value and address its associated risks. Dimitriadis encouraged organizations to prioritize training and reskilling their employees to safely utilize AI. He also highlighted the importance of establishing policies and frameworks to support the adoption of AI technologies.