A study by Salesforce reveals that over a third of Spanish workers (39%) believe that mastering generative artificial intelligence (AI) will help them get a promotion at work. However, the report also warns that the lack of clearly defined policies around the use of this technology may put companies at risk.
The study found that 61% of Spanish workers have used generative AI tools without formal approval from their company, and up to 33% have used them despite being expressly prohibited. Many of these employees turned to the new technology without any training or guidance from their company.
The report, titled “The Promises and Difficulties of Generative AI at Work,” gathered opinions from more than 14,000 workers from fourteen countries, including Spain. It highlights that company policies and training around generative AI are not well-defined or, at best, ambiguous. Despite this, workers recognize the importance of this technology in advancing their careers, with 74% of those who use it saying it makes them more productive.
However, the lack of training and defined policies has led users to perform ethically questionable activities when using generative AI at work. For example, some workers have passed off AI work as their own or inflated their skills. The report also revealed that 86% of Spanish workers believe there are barriers to using generative AI at work.
The report emphasizes the need for companies to invest in safe, ethical, and reliable generative AI tools and train their employees on how to use them safely and ethically. The study concludes that it is not just about whether companies adopt generative AI but how they do it effectively, safely, and ethically.
In conclusion, while many Spaniards see great potential in generative AI for career advancement, companies must take steps to ensure its safe and ethical use. This includes investing in clear policies around its use and providing training on its safe application to avoid negative consequences such as unethical behavior or legal risks.