A new study from Jabra, Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI, reveals a disconnect between business leaders’ trust in AI and its daily use among employees, particularly in technical roles. While 84% of business decision-makers report high confidence in AI’s potential, only 26% of employees regularly use it, citing perceived limitations and concerns with the technology.
The study, which surveyed 1,800 AI decision-makers across six countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, underscores a gap between enthusiasm for AI and its day-to-day application in the workplace. Although 85% of decision-makers show high interest in AI’s potential, a significant portion (82%) admit they still need clearer insights into how AI could enhance efficiency across roles.
Furthermore, while 54% of employees believe AI could enhance their work and feel confident in collaborating with AI, the technology is still not widely integrated into their daily routines. Jabra’s findings suggest that this gap stems from a mix of perceived challenges and demographic factors.
- Creativity and Innovation Concerns: Roughly 90% of employees express hesitation about using AI for creative or innovative tasks, seeing these as roles where personal involvement adds unique value.
- Generational Gap: Younger employees tend to be more receptive to AI. Nearly half of Millennials (47%) and 37% of Gen Z respondents view AI positively, compared to only 15% of Boomers. Likewise, daily AI usage is higher among Millennials and Gen Z (28%) than Boomers (15%).
- Leadership Profile: AI decision-makers are predominantly younger, with 58% aged 18-39, and most (71%) are not in IT roles, potentially influencing alignment with technical team needs.
Paul Sephton, Head of Brand Communications at Jabra, said: “We see many organizations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organizations to recognize how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.”
“To avoid what we call ‘AI-washing’ – simply jumping on the AI bandwagon – organizations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. At Jabra, we believe in harnessing the power of AI not just to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.”
