eBook: Workday's Global Look at AI in the Workplace
Introduction
In August 2023, Workday commissioned Forrester Consulting to evaluate the impact of AI in HR and understand the perspectives of HR technology decision-makers and frontline workers. Two online surveys were conducted: one with 1,124 HR technology decision-makers and another with 1,340 frontline workers. This eBook explores the differences between these two groups and highlights how Workday customers can use Workday products to enhance both employee and manager effectiveness.
Understanding the Personas
Forrester categorized the respondents based on their perception of AI and level of concern:
- AI Skeptics: Low perceived value and high concern.
- AI Indifferents: Low perceived value and low concern.
- AI Cautious Believers: High perceived value and high level of concern.
- AI Enthusiasts: High perceived value and low level of concern.
Demographic Breakdown:
- AI Skeptics: Second-youngest, mainly concerned about ethics and privacy, least common in EMEA, most common for IT professionals.
- AI Indifferents: Oldest, lowest concerns about AI privacy, most common in North America, least common in APAC and Japan, least likely in nonprofits and healthcare.
- AI Cautious Believers: Second-oldest, greatest concerns about job security, most common in APAC and Japan, most common for HR employees and healthcare employees.
- AI Enthusiasts: Youngest, greatest concerns about AI ethics, most common in EMEA and least common in North America, most common in sales.
Global Prevalence:
- AI Enthusiasts: 25%
- AI Cautious Believers: 26%
- AI Indifferents: 25%
- AI Skeptics: 24%
Understanding Regional and Country-Level Sentiments
- Nordic and African Regions: Highest enthusiasm for AI, with 64% of respondents being either AI Enthusiasts or Cautious Believers.
- Europe: Lowest number of AI Enthusiasts or Cautious Believers at 48%.
- Rankings by Region and Country:
- Top 2: Nordic (Denmark and Norway), Africa, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Benelux, North America, Europe.
- Bottom 2: United Kingdom/Ireland, Germany.
Detailed Breakdown:
- Denmark and Norway: 78% enthusiasm due to government incentives and early adoption of new technologies.
- African Nations: Enthusiasm driven by bridging the technological gap created by industrialization and globalization.
- New Zealand and U.S.: Lower percentages of AI Enthusiasts (16th and 14th, respectively), despite high digital native populations.
- Germany: Least enthusiastic due to historical risk-aversion and complex regulatory landscape.
Conclusion
The global sentiment towards AI is balanced, with equal parts excitement and caution. Nordic and African regions lead in enthusiasm, while Europe lags behind. The EU AI Act aims to create a framework for AI adoption, which is expected to shift perceptions from skepticism to optimism. The insights provided by this study can help organizations manage change effectively and embrace AI technologies.
