Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
As Thursday night kicks in and the weekend comes into view, here’s what’s happening in the world of AI that you need to know:
Slack’s latest survey, which surveyed over 17,000 desk workers across 15 countries, reveals a shift in attitudes toward AI tools in the workplace. Despite ongoing investment from executives, there’s a cooling enthusiasm among employees. What’s causing the disconnect? 🤔
Also in today’s roundup, check out six transformative ways agentic AI is changing the business world—from automating tasks to redefining decision-making. And don’t miss this editor's list of four practical productivity tools you’ll actually want to use.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
The quiet bebate over AI use in the workplace
Agentic AI for business: top use cases to know
Four productivity tools you’ll actually use
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Why Workers Are Reluctant to Admit AI Use
Source: Unsplash/Luca Bravo
Is AI really helping workers, or just making them more anxious?
Recent findings from Slack’s Workforce Lab reveal an intriguing paradox in today’s workplace. While executives are eager to invest in AI and recognize its potential for productivity, workers are becoming more cautious about using these tools openly. In a survey of over 17,000 desk workers across 15 countries, Slack's research highlights a widening disconnect: workers feel anxious about using AI in ways that might be seen as “cheating” or as a shortcut, despite AI’s promise to ease workloads and save time.
Here’s what the research found:
Social Pressures on AI Use: Nearly half of employees feel uneasy about admitting to AI use in front of their managers, fearing it might make them look lazy, less capable, or even as if they’re "cheating" on certain tasks.
AI’s Cultural Impact on Younger Workers: Gen Z and Millennials are more comfortable with AI yet often turn to AI for answers over coworkers or friends, reflecting a complex balance between their comfort with technology and possible loss of social connection.
Cooling Interest: The initial excitement about AI among workers has dropped recently, with notable declines in enthusiasm in the U.S. and France, where people question whether AI actually reduces busywork or just creates new challenges.
Limited Training Opportunities: Most desk workers report minimal training in AI (less than five hours on average), with many wanting to develop these skills to stay current but finding few options available.
These findings hint at an underlying issue: as AI becomes more common in the workplace, the support and structure around its use are lagging behind. Workers want AI to make tasks easier and more meaningful, but with limited training and a lack of clear guidelines, they’re left wondering if AI is helping them achieve that or simply adding new pressures. The rapid adoption of AI calls for a careful balance, where technology isn’t just handed down to employees but is integrated thoughtfully, with an eye on both skill development and workplace culture.
As workplaces continue adopting AI, they’ll likely face a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension. For AI to fulfill its role as a truly helpful tool, organizations might need to take a step back and recognize the social dynamics at play. By supporting employees with practical training and open policies, leaders can foster a work culture where AI feels like an ally, not a source of anxiety. As we look to the future, a thoughtful approach to AI adoption may be the key to bridging this gap between technology’s promise and employees’ comfort.
Read the full article here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
Agentic AI for Business: Top Use Cases to Know
/Jason Snyder and Grant Gross on CIO
Agentic AI, a new approach focused on operational decision-making, is set to transform workflows and business intelligence. From automating software development to enhancing cybersecurity, agentic AI helps organizations make real-time decisions across various functions. Experts see immense potential in six key areas, including customer support and enterprise workflows, where AI agents will streamline processes and boost productivity by automating complex tasks. With companies like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and NASA embracing agentic AI, the technology could revolutionize industries from customer service to business intelligence.
Read more here.
Four Productivity Tools You’ll Actually Use
/Sabrina Ortiz on ZDNet
In the age of generative AI, some tools stand out for genuinely boosting productivity. Sabrina Ortiz shares her top four go-to AI tools: Grammarly for seamless writing assistance, ChatGPT for conversational queries, Canva Pro for design ease, and Otter.ai for accurate transcription. These tools help streamline daily tasks, letting users focus more on impactful work. Whether you’re drafting messages, designing visuals, or transcribing meetings, these AI tools can be invaluable in everyday workflows.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.
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