95% of Indian employees believe that AI in the workplace can improve their quality of life: Report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the professional landscape in India, according to a recent study by UKG. The study, spanning nine countries and surveying over 4,000 employees, provides insights into the intricate relationship between AI and the Indian workforce. 

The findings indicate that a substantial 72% of Indian employees are directly involved with AI-powered tools in their workplaces. Notably, generative AI tools like Chat GPT (75%), Open AI (47%), and Google Bard (22%) have become integral to both professional and personal aspects of their lives. 

Despite concerns, 95% of Indian employees express optimism about AI's positive impact on their lives. The report highlights that employees have perceived more benefits (52%) from AI implementation compared to the advantages realized by companies (49%). 

However, a significant knowledge gap exists, with only 47% of employees fully understanding and 44% partially understanding how AI is utilized in their workplaces. Sumeet Doshi, Country Manager at UKG India, underscores the need for transparency, stating, "There is a clear appetite for AI in the workplace as long as employees better understand how it’s used and the benefits." 

In India, a striking 91% of employees trust content generated by AI tools to some extent. Furthermore, 93% of employees actively leverage AI assistance in creating original content, underlining the growing influence of AI in key organizational operations. 

Employees in India welcome AI into decision-making processes, with 92% supporting AI assistance in creating employee schedules and 89% believing AI should aid in risk detection and operational resilience. Ashok Saxena, VP Engineering at UKG India, acknowledges concerns around data privacy and ethical use, stating, "A cautious approach is understandable." 

As AI skills gain prominence, 62% of Indian employees believe these skills will be more critical than work experience in the next two years. Those adept at using AI anticipate higher pay (90%) and shorter workdays (76%), highlighting the perceived competitive edge associated with AI proficiency. 

Globally, the study suggests that AI is expected to significantly impact the workforce, with executives estimating that 70% of their total workforce will use AI by 2028, even in companies not currently leveraging AI. 

According to a recent report from the AI productivity platform Slack, it was discovered that the most prevalent workplace persona in India is the "Problem Solver," constituting a substantial 23% of the workforce. These individuals stand out for their expertise in technology and automation, coupled with an unparalleled enthusiasm for AI and the optimization of work processes. Impressively, 92% of Problem Solvers identify themselves as early tech adopters, and 77% express genuine excitement about AI. Their dedication to incorporating AI into their work is evident, with 43% actively seeking ways to leverage AI for enhanced productivity. This proactive approach to tech training contributes to India's leading AI usage rate, as revealed in the research, standing at 54%, with Singapore closely following at 34%. 

On a different note, the "Expressionist" persona, recognized for their distinctive visual communication style, comprises 21% of India's workforce. Prioritizing less formal and more engaging workplace interactions, they utilize emojis, GIFs, and memes. Globally, 72% of Expressionists employ these visual tools to enrich communication, a notable difference from the 29% observed among all desk workers. Their belief is that workplace communication should be enjoyable and light-hearted, using visual elements to foster virtual connections and ensure their messages are received as intended. Expressionists are also noteworthy in South Korea (15%) and Singapore (12%).