Indian Workers Show Confidence in AI at Work: BCG Report
Are you ready to embrace the future of work with artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI)? A recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) sheds light on the growing confidence among Indian workers in these technologies and their impact on the workplace.
According to the report, 54% of Indian respondents ranked confidence as their top sentiment towards AI at work. Additionally, a whopping 93% of those using GenAI for work in India agreed that it has significantly saved them time. This sentiment is part of a broader trend captured in a global survey involving over 13,000 employees across 15 countries and regions.
The study conducted by BCG’s tech build and design division, BCG X, highlights a growing confidence in AI and GenAI across the board. The findings show that 42% of global respondents expressed confidence in these technologies’ impact on their work, a substantial increase from the previous year.
However, this confidence is accompanied by an increase in anxiety, with 49% of regular users fearing that their jobs could vanish within the next decade due to these technologies. In contrast, only 24% of non-users shared this concern.
The report underscores the increasing integration of GenAI in workplaces worldwide, with 64% of leaders now implementing GenAI tools. Frontline employees are also showing a significant uptick in usage, with 43% regularly using these tools at work, more than double the number from last year.
Sylvain Duranton, managing director and senior partner at BCG, commented on the double-edged nature of GenAI, stating that familiarity correlates with both comfort and fear. He emphasized the importance of reshaping organizations to maximize the strengths and value of both human and machine workers.
A significant portion of survey respondents who utilize GenAI for work reported saving at least five hours per week. The time saved is often redirected towards additional tasks, new initiatives, experimentation with GenAI, or strategic work.
Vinciane Beauchene, managing director and partner at BCG, highlighted the shift towards confidence and value realization in the era of GenAI. Companies are starting to realize the benefits of GenAI adoption and are redirecting the time saved towards more valuable and joyful activities.
The study also revealed a marked difference in attitudes towards GenAI between workers from the Global South and the Global North. Respondents from countries like India displayed more optimism and less anxiety about GenAI compared to their counterparts in more developed economies.
The report concludes with key recommendations for companies aiming to harness the full potential of GenAI, including establishing a transformation-first mindset, investing in large-scale training initiatives, and preparing for evolving job roles and skills requirements.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of work with AI and GenAI, it is essential for organizations to prioritize transformation and employee satisfaction. By embracing these technologies and adapting their organizational structures and governance accordingly, companies can unlock the full potential of GenAI and drive value creation in the workplace.