HRLocker research finds only half of employees trust AI in the workplace

HRLocker, a leading provider of HR solutions based in Co. Clare, has revealed that only half of employees trust the use of AI in their workplace, illustrating the significant hurdles organisations must overcome to integrate AI effectively and responsibly. The survey of 200 SME owners and 500 employees across Ireland also highlights the need for transparency and robust AI governance to leverage AI’s transformative potential without compromising trust.

AI trust gap in the workplace

The research indicates a notable lack of trust in the responsible development and deployment of AI among both business leaders and their workforces. Despite recognising AI’s potential for business transformation, scepticism about its responsible use persists. Key findings include:

• Only 64% of business leaders and 50% of employees welcome AI in their organisations.
• 25% of employees and 20% of leaders are not confident that their organisation prioritises employee interests when implementing AI.
• A significant 68% of business leaders believe AI should be developed with human review and intervention, yet 40% of employees feel their companies lack clarity on which systems should be automated versus those requiring human oversight.
• Furthermore, 72% of employees report that their organisations are not collaborating on AI regulation, and 78% indicate a lack of shared guidelines on responsible AI use.

Impact on business practices

Despite the trust issues, AI is recognised for its ability to enhance various business functions, particularly in SMEs. Key statistics from HRLocker’s survey include:

• 62% of small business employees believe AI can help increase or retain headcount, with 55% reporting a positive impact on customer experience.
• 58% of business owners believe that AI has the potential to streamline operations and reduce costs, but only 45% of employees share this optimistic view.
• 65% of employees who are supportive of AI believe it can help them with routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities.
• Conversely, 30% of employees are concerned that AI could lead to job displacement, highlighting the need for clear communication and reassurances from employers.

Employee concerns and recommendations

The survey also highlights significant concerns among employees regarding AI’s role in HR processes. Almost two-thirds (62%) of employees are uncomfortable with HR teams using AI, fearing potential biases and a lack of transparency, with 48% of employees worrying that AI could lead to unfair treatment or bias in performance evaluations.

Additionally, 44% of employees believe that AI might compromise the confidentiality of their personal data and 58% feel that there is insufficient communication from management about how AI will be used and its impact on their roles.

“Ensuring robust governance and clear guidelines for AI use in the workplace is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity,” states Adam Coleman, CEO at HRLocker. “Without prioritising transparency and responsibility, we risk alienating employees and undermining the very trust that is fundamental to successful AI integration. Our research highlights a pressing need for businesses to address these governance issues head-on to fully realise AI’s potential in a way that benefits businesses and their people.”

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