Most people use AI regularly at work, but many admit to doing so inappropriately

A major global survey finds areas of concern include uploading sensitive information into public tools.

- Nicole Gillespie and Steven Lockey

Have you ever used ChatGPT to draft a work e-mail? Perhaps to summarise a report, research a topic or analyse data in a spreadsheet? If so, you certainly aren't alone.

Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly transforming the world of work. Our global study of more than 32,000 workers from 47 countries, released on April 29, shows that 58 per cent of employees intentionally use AI at work - with a third using it weekly or daily.

Most employees who use it say they've gained some real productivity and performance benefits from adopting AI tools.

However, a concerning number are using AI in highly risky ways - such as uploading sensitive information into public tools, relying on AI answers without checking them, and hiding their use of it.

There's an urgent need for policies, training and governance on responsible use of AI, to ensure it enhances - not undermines - how work is done.

OUR RESEARCH

We surveyed 32,352 employees in 47 countries, covering all global geographical regions and occupational groups.

Most employees report performance benefits from AI adoption at work. These include improvements in:

These findings echo prior research demonstrating AI can drive productivity gains for employees and organisations.

We found general-purpose generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are by far the most widely used. About 70 per cent of employees rely on free, public tools, rather than AI solutions provided by their employer (42 per cent).