The use of AI is stigmatized by the lack of clear guidelines and policies, which leads employees to use AI in secret. This covert AI is the greatest risk to businesses. It’s what the best-selling author Bernard Marr calls “Shadow AI”, or the unregulated usage of AI tools at the workplace.
Employers must move from resistance to “purposeful adoption” in order to fully harness the potential of this technology. AI should be implemented with a goal in mind, aiming to have a positive effect.
Why do so many companies reject AI?
GenAI has unquestionably made a positive impact on the workplace. Its integration is slowed down by a stigma that stems from fears of job loss, privacy concerns and bias.
These fears are well-founded. The improper use of AI poses a serious risk to businesses, as several high-profile examples show. Amazon AI was found to be discriminating against women during its hiring process. Samsung employees leaked sensitive source codes when troubleshooting AI bugs. ChatGPT “hallucinated”, legal cases that he used as the basis 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.
The government’s laissez-faire attitude toward AI regulation has been positive for growth and innovation, but it has also caused confusion among businesses that want to adopt it elsewhere.
What are the risks of rejecting AI technology?
Businesses are at risk if they reject and stigmatise AI. 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.
Employers should control AI usage within their organizations to mitigate risks. Businesses can reap the benefits of AI while minimizing potential risks by adopting it and introducing to their employees clear rules and guidelines.
How can businesses overcome AI stigma and anxiety?
Lack of clarity in internal policies regarding GenAI can lead to confusion and covert AI usage. It can also be used in ways that compromise confidential information and intellectual properties.
Covert AI in the workplace can lead to data breaches, inconsistent usage, higher margins of errors, and missed opportunities for innovation. A recent survey by Peninsula Group (parent company of BrightHR) found that almost half of SMEs were concerned about AI security risks, while over 40% worried about errors and inconsistent usage.
Businesses must be cautious and optimistic when integrating GenAI in the workplace. First, create and communicate a GenAI policy that clearly outlines how GenAI is to be used.
Consider the following when developing your training and policy:
- It is important to familiarize your employees with the limitations and capabilities of AI tools.
- How to use AI in a secure way, and how to protect sensitive company data
- How to use AI to improve productivity and efficiency
This will allow companies to maximise the benefits AI and reduce the risks. To address employee concerns and promote a culture of trust and innovation, training and an open dialogue is crucial.
How can businesses combat covert AI by adopting it purposefully?
GenAI is becoming more prevalent in many industries. McKinsey research shows that GenAI is used not just by technical staff, but by all employees to perform repetitive tasks.
A mistake would be to wait until all regulations are in place before adopting AI. This could cause businesses to fall behind their competition.
GenAI can be embraced with clear policies, a strong sense of purpose and propel your business to new heights. Be proactive in the absence of government policies and regulations, and create clear guidelines for your company to reduce risks.
You can unlock AI’s full potential by doing so.
