A new study shows that 76% of desk workers want to become AI experts to better focus their time on more meaningful activities.
The research, conducted by Slack, interviewed more than 17,000 employees worldwide, including those from EU countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden.
Between September 2023 and August 2024, AI adoption steadily increased globally, rising from 20% to 36% of the desk worker population.
In France, AI usage grew from 20% to 33% during the same period.
When employees were asked, 'Which common work tasks is AI best suited for?', administration topped the list at 87%, followed by assistance with core work projects at 80%, and innovative or creative work projects at 81%.
Nearly 50% of desk workers would feel uncomfortable admitting to their manager that they have used AI for common workplace tasks.
The top reasons for this discomfort include feeling that using AI is cheating, fear of being perceived as less competent, and fear of being seen as lazy.
In Sweden, 86% of employees feel uncomfortable revealing that they use AI to write messages to their colleagues or coworkers of the same level.
In France, 65% of workers feel the same, while in Italy, this proportion drops to 61%, 62% in Spain, and 58% in Germany.
