As generative AI reshapes our workplaces, not everyone is on the same page about its value. According to a compelling study by meQuilibrium, which surveyed 5,989 adults, an employee’s response to AI could depend a lot on their personal traits like resilience, positivity, and problem-solving skills.
The Role of Positivity and Resilience
The study highlights an intriguing trend: those who are generally more positive and resilient aren’t just coping better with the introduction of AI, they’re thriving. These folks are less likely to view AI as a job threat and more likely to harness AI’s capabilities to boost their productivity. For instance, employees who excel in problem-solving are 66% more likely to see productivity gains with AI, while those high in resilience find AI tools significantly useful for their daily tasks.
Brad Smith, PhD, Chief Science Officer at meQuilibrium, notes, “Employees who are positive and possess strong problem-solving abilities adapt more fluidly to AI in the workplace, utilizing its capabilities to their advantage without fear over job security.”
Addressing the Fear Factor
It’s not all smooth sailing, though. The research indicates that employees with lower levels of positivity report greater concerns over AI impacting their job security. Specifically, 25.3% of less positive employees worry about AI taking over their roles, compared to just 16% of their more optimistic peers. The anxiety of these less optimistic employees is even more pronounced among those who feel less resilient, with twice as many fearing AI compared to their tougher counterparts.
A Gap in Guidance
Despite the rapid adoption of AI tools, many companies aren’t providing enough support to help employees navigate this new terrain. The study found that only 31% of companies have set clear guidelines on using generative AI effectively. Moreover, less than 10% of employees feel they are getting practical help from their managers on how to leverage AI at work.
As AI continues to be integrated into our daily workflows, the disparity in how employees react to and utilize this technology underscores a crucial point: an employee’s mindset plays a pivotal role. Those who approach AI with resilience and a problem-solving attitude find themselves ahead, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth and efficiency. Meanwhile, the ones apprehensive about AI may need more support to shift their perspectives and fully embrace the changes.
Understanding and addressing these diverse reactions can help organizations better support their teams through technological transitions, ensuring that all employees, not just the naturally optimistic ones, can thrive in an evolving digital landscape.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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