A new study reveals that half of Swiss employees use AI at work, but report a lack of skills and training. Additionally, their employer’s AI strategy remains unclear for many.
How do Swiss workers perceive artificial intelligence technologies? And to what extent do they use them? It is in particular these questions that are addressed in a new study published by “Laplatform”, an alliance between several professional associations (Swiss Society of Commercial Employees, Employees Switzerland, Swiss Leaders, SwissAccounting, ZGP, Sales Swiss, Association of Executives of public transport (ACTP) and Swiss Engineering). The survey was carried out among 85,000 members.
Lack of skills
The results show that employees do not feel competent enough when it comes to using generative AI tools. While half of those surveyed use them in their work, most believe they need more knowledge and skills to be able to effectively integrate these tools into their tasks. “This need is particularly felt by people in positions with little responsibility. What’s more, only a third of people in non-managerial positions think their superiors are sufficiently informed about AI. Executives are just as skeptical about the knowledge of their colleagues,” underline the authors of the study.
Differences in attitudes towards AI
Note that according to a majority of professionals interviewed, AI will above all have a positive impact on the economy, significantly more than on other sectors such as ecology or the social sector. In addition, it appears that the level of training and the function performed influence the attitude towards AI. Executives with higher education see great opportunities in the use of AI, while less qualified people are more reserved. Furthermore, scenarios highlighting the negative effects of AI on society resonate more with individuals with a high level of education. “Themes such as influence on public debates, the possibility of a reduction in social contacts and widespread surveillance are cited as challenges,” specify those responsible for the survey.
Lack of clear strategy
The results of the study also reveal that barely a quarter of companies have adopted a strategy dedicated to AI. As a result, uncertainty remains among employees, particularly among middle and junior managers. Employees say they lack clear guidance on the use of AI and do not receive enough information about continuing education opportunities in this area.
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