A new study by G-P (Globalization Partners), a leader in the global employment market, has highlighted both the critical importance and the potential pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business operations worldwide. The report, titled “AI at Work: Unlocking Global Opportunities,” reveals a mixed sentiment among business leaders regarding AI’s role in maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
According to the research, a significant majority (81%) of organizations have already established AI programs, and 84% are planning to increase their investments in AI technology this year. Despite the enthusiasm, an overwhelming 97% of executives expressed concerns about the risks associated with their AI strategies.
“AI is redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in global business,” said Nat Natarajan, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at G-P. “However, the potential of AI is still largely unrealized. We’re at the beginning of understanding how to strategically plan, invest, and learn continuously to leverage this technology effectively on the global stage.”
The study underscores the belief among executives that AI could be a game-changer for entering new markets and enhancing team building across different time zones, with 96% agreeing that companies utilizing AI for asynchronous work will likely outpace their competitors.
However, investment priorities may be shifting, as nearly 60% of those surveyed indicated they are spending more on AI tools and technology than on hiring and retaining staff. Moreover, 98% of business leaders anticipate the need to create new roles specifically to implement and monitor AI systems effectively.
The fear of financial repercussions due to incorrect AI usage is prominent, with two-thirds of executives worried about the consequences of missteps. Surprisingly, concerns about sensitive and proprietary data loss ranked lower on their list of worries.
“AI holds a lot of potential to drive impactful value, but it needs to be done in partnership with a future-ready workforce,” noted Zachary Chertok, Research Manager for Employee Experience at IDC. “The narrative for digital use is shifting towards workforce empowerment. Building a successful approach with AI requires as much investment in training the workforce to collaborate with AI-based tools as in the tools themselves.”
The findings from G-P’s comprehensive survey of over 1,500 business executives globally aim to provide practical insights for leaders navigating the complexities of AI in the global business landscape. This research not only highlights the opportunities but also the significant responsibilities that come with integrating AI into business practices.
G-P continues to lead the way in providing solutions that help companies manage global teams compliantly and efficiently, demonstrating its commitment to shaping the future of work through innovation and comprehensive global employment services.