Two in five UK businesses offer zero guidance on AI in the workplace

Confusion over generative AI in the workplace is simultaneously creating a divide between employees while also putting organisations at risk, according to new research from Veritas Technologies, the data management expert.

Almost half (49%) of UK office workers are using generative AI at least once a week, signalling a massive shift is underway in workplaces that is revolutionising the way work gets done. In fact, a fifth (19%) are using generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) at work every single day.

Worryingly, two-fifths (38%) of UK office workers admit that they or a colleague has inputted sensitive information, such as customer, financial or sales data, into a public generative AI tool. Many employees, 60%, fail to recognise that doing so could result in sensitive information leaking outside the corporate walls, with a similar number, 62%, not understanding that this can cause their organisation to run afoul of data privacy compliance regulations.

The data reveals that the UK workforce is frustrated at the current lack of guidance from employers when it comes to the use of public generative AI tools in the workplace. Half (49%) are calling for guidelines or mandatory policies on generative AI use from their bosses as many UK businesses, 44%, currently offer no guidance at all. Businesses who fail to offer guidance not only put themselves at risk from a security perspective; they also risk missing out on the potential value that AI technology could bring to the workplace.

The vast majority (93%) of employees believe guidelines around workplace AI use is important and are crying out for help:

One in four (24%) believe that this would create a more level playing field

68% believe it is essential to know how to use AI tools in the right way

85% believe there should be some form of national or international regulation around AI

Divisions amongst colleagues

The research found that two-fifths of UK office workers (37%) are using AI to do their research, 43% are using it to write their emails, and a fifth (17%) are using generative AI to help write company reports. One in ten (10%) are simply using it to look good in front of their boss.

The use of generative AI is leading to drastic divisions between British co-workers, with 29% believing that colleagues who are using it should be reported to line managers, and a quarter believing they should either get a pay cut (23%) or face disciplinary action (25%).

The research found the issue also stokes division between different groups – especially between older and younger workers. Whilst 80% of 18–24-year-olds are using it regularly at work, almost two thirds (63%) of 55–64-year-olds have never even used it.

Sonya Duffin, Solutions Lead at Veritas Technologies, said: “Without guidance from leaders on how or if to utilise generative AI, some employees are using it in ways that put their organisations at risk, even as others hesitate to use it at all and resent their colleagues for doing so. Neither situation is ideal. Organisations could face regulatory compliance violations or miss out on opportunities to increase efficiency across their entire workforce. Both issues can be resolved with effective generative AI guidelines and policies on what’s OK and what’s not.”

“The message is clear: thoughtfully develop and clearly communicate guidelines and policies on the appropriate use of generative AI and combine that with the right data compliance and governance toolset to monitor and manage their implementation and ongoing enforcement. Your employees will thank you and your organisation can enjoy the benefits without increasing risk”.