GenAI in day to day work: top management forges ahead, but employees are hesitant

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AI has developed rapidly since the introduction of generative AI models such as ChatGPT. This technology has the potential to transform entire industries by automating complex tasks. adesso asked managers and employees in companies what role GenAI tools play in their day-to-day work. The respondents' answers paint a picture of the mood in the economy in the DACH Region.

Finding 1: C-level executives use GenAI at work daily

Top managers regularly use GenAI: three out of ten (29 per cent) C-level executives even use the various tools several times a day. By comparison, only 12 per cent of middle managers and 11 per cent of employees utilise GenAI just as frequently. As a result, everyday working life has changed more significantly for managers than for the rest of the workforce. Meanwhile, this discrepancy in the frequency of its use is at odds with what is expected of the technology.

Finding 2: Misconceptions lead to false hopes

As the study shows, management generally has significantly lower expectations of GenAI. There are marked differences between the various organisational levels, especially in terms of the amount of time they hope to save by using such tools: while 92 per cent of employees expect a noticeable reduction in their workload, only 69 per cent of the top management level and 68 per cent of middle management share this optimism. It appears that managers view GenAI more as a supplement or support in their day-to-day work and less as a tool that will completely relieve them of their tasks.

Finding 3: Reality check reveals a nuanced picture

Although employees place their greatest hopes on the time benefits GenAI can offer, it is mainly top management that stands to benefit in this regard: one in three C-level executives (34 per cent) say that using the technology saves them more than five hours of time at work per week. Substantial time savings like this are reported by only 13 per cent of middle managers and a mere 5 per cent of employees. Accordingly, top management teams are pleased with the results: 35 per cent of C-level executives feel their expectations of GenAI have been fully met, compared to 19 per cent of middle managers and 16 per cent of employees.

"GenAI has become a top priority. It's not just that companies are considering how and where they can use ChatGPT, etc. to optimise their workflows. One in three C-level executives uses these tools several times a day to obtain help or suggestions. The rest of the company's workforce is much more reserved. These different approaches are certainly also due to the fact that many are not sufficiently trained in GenAI: if you don't know how to use the technology properly, you won't be able to realise its potential," said Tim Strohschneider, Head of GenAI at adesso SE. "There is no denying that generative AI is transforming the way we work - it is a game changer in the way we do business. It is essential that companies experiment with this technology and identify the best use cases for their specific needs. It is equally important that companies invest in making sure all employees are ready to work with AI."

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