A dark cloud of stigma looms over the use of AI, fuelled by a lack of clear policies and legal guidelines, driving employees to use AI tools in secret. And it’s this covert AI that presents the biggest risk for businesses, leading to what best-selling author Bernard Marr has dubbed the rise of “Shadow AI”, or the unregulated use of AI tools in the workplace.
To harness the technology’s full potential employers must shift from resistance to ‘purposeful adoption’. This involves incorporating AI with a meaningful goal in mind and aiming to make a positive impact, rather than simply implementing it without sound reason or strategy.
Why do so many companies reject AI?
GenAI is undeniably driving progress in workplaces. However, its integration is slowed by stigma rooted in fears about job loss, data privacy concerns, and worries about bias.
These fears are not unfounded. As several high-profile cases show, the improper use of AI can pose a significant risk for businesses. For example, Amazon’s AI tool was found to discriminate against women in its hiring process. Similarly, Samsung employees accidentally leaked sensitive source code while troubleshooting bugs with AI. A solicitor even faced a $5,000 fine and dismissal when ChatGPT “hallucinated” legal cases he had used to form the base of his argument.
People are justifiably concerned about throwing caution to the wind and embracing AI without doing their due diligence, especially in the absence of explicit legal guidelines in the UK.
While the government’s “laissez-faire” attitude towards AI regulation has had positive effects on growth and innovation in the tech sector, it has also created confusion among businesses seeking to adopt it in others.
What are the dangers of rejecting AI?
Rejecting and stigmatising AI is leading to significant risks for businesses. As the saying goes, “what you resist, persists.” Banning AI outright won’t prevent staff from using it secretly, especially as it has been shown to benefit their work. This covert and unregulated use of AI, (Shadow AI), increases the likelihood of sensitive data leaks, errors, and other issues because it lacks company oversight and regulation.
To mitigate these risks, employers should take control of AI use within their organisations. By adopting AI and introducing it to employees with clear rules and guidelines, businesses can harness the benefits while minimising potential dangers.
How can companies overcome AI anxiety and stigma?
A lack of clear internal policies on GenAI use can create confusion among employees and increase the likelihood of covert AI use. It may also be deployed in ways that put confidential company information and intellectual property at risk.
Data breaches, inconsistency in usage, increased margins of error, and missed chances for innovation are all risks of covert AI use in the workplace. According to a recent survey conducted by the Peninsula Group, parent company of BrightHR, almost half of SMEs are concerned about the security risks associated with AI, and over 40% worry about errors and inconsistencies.
To integrate GenAI into the workplace, businesses need to approach the issue carefully AND optimistically. The first step is to create and clearly communicate an AI policy that outlines exactly how GenAI should be used.
Some points to consider in your policy and training include:
- Familiarising your staff with the capabilities and limitations of various AI tools
- The secure use of AI, including how to protect confidential company data
- How to integrate AI into daily tasks to enhance productivity and efficiency
Doing so will help companies maximise the benefits of AI while reducing the potential risks. Training and open dialogue are crucial to help address employee concerns early and foster a culture of innovation and trust, rather than stigma and misconception.
How can businesses tackle covert AI through purposeful adoption?
The increasing use of GenAI in various industries is inevitable. Research from McKinsey highlights that GenAI is not only used by employees in technical roles, but also by staff across the board to handle repetitive tasks.
Waiting to adopt AI until full regulations are in place is a mistake that could leave businesses trailing behind their competitors.
Embracing GenAI with clear policies and a sense of purpose can propel your business and create growth opportunities. In the absence of regulations and government policy, be proactive and establish clear company guidelines to mitigate risks.
Doing so will help you unlock the full potential of AI.
