A survey of over 4,000 full-time desk workers by Salesforce found that while 54% of workers believe generative AI will advance their career, 62% say they don’t have the skills to effectively and safely use the technology.
The survey, which was conducted as part of Salesforce’s Generative AI Snapshot Research Series, also found that workers are optimistic about the impact of generative AI on their roles. In fact, 62% of respondents said they believe generative AI will require a new set of skills at work, and 56% said they believe the technology will transform their role altogether.
With the help of generative AI, workers say they can focus on strategic work and save time. Sixty-five per cent of respondents believe generative AI will allow them to focus on more strategic work, and they estimate that the technology will save them five hours per week at work.
However, the survey also found that workers lack the know-how to take full advantage of generative AI. Forty per cent of respondents said they don’t know how to effectively use generative AI at work, and 43% said they don’t know how to leverage generative AI using trusted data sources and while keeping first-party data secure.
Specifically, workers say they lack the required skill sets to use generative AI. Sixty-two per cent of workers say they don’t have the skills to effectively and safely use generative AI, and 70% of business leaders don’t believe their teams have the skills to effectively and safely use the technology.
Despite this lack of skills, workers are looking to their employers to close the generative AI skills gap. Two out of three workers (67%) expect their employer to provide opportunities to learn how to use generative AI, but nearly the same amount (66%) say their employer does not offer training on the technology.
Business leaders see clear cost-saving incentives to close the generative AI skills gap. Eighty-two per cent of business leaders say generative AI will lower overall business costs, and 80% say it will increase revenue.
“Generative AI presents massive opportunities for businesses and workers alike,” said Ann Weeby, SVP of Trailhead, Salesforce. “However, as AI becomes more common in the workplace, the skills gap will continue to widen. Companies have a responsibility to democratize access to needed skills and training to close the AI skills gap.”
“AI has the potential to transform jobs across every industry and speciality,” said Brent Hyder, President and Chief People Officer, at Salesforce. “Employers must anticipate these kinds of seismic technological shifts and provide resources and training to ensure the success of their employees, customers, and ultimately their business.”
