Most workers would welcome an AI assistant

Two-thirds of workers want to use AI in the workplace to make it easier to complete everyday tasks, according to a report released this week by Adobe.

Of 2,000 respondents, 68% don't believe that robots and other automation technologies will take their jobs, Adobe's Future of Work report found.

In fact, 60% think office admin tasks will be completed by technology in the future and as a result, 87% think this will dramatically change their job role in the coming years.

"The research clearly shows that UK office workers are very open to embracing advanced technology like AI to augment their working day," Mark Greenaway, head of emerging business EMEA at Adobe, said.

"Considering the often sensationalistic and inaccurate reports given about AI technology and its impact on our lives, it's important that workers remember that AI can help make their lives easier, so they have more free time innovating and being productive."

Contrary to some reports, Adobe's research would seem to suggest that employees think technology is a positive thing, helping them be more productive and helping them collaborate with their co-workers.

Greenaway added: "Humans don't feel like they're just a cog in a machine. Our study shows that office workers are confident that they'll continue to matter in the workplace, even in a world of fast-developing technology."

Adobe's survey found that 46% of workers would like some form of AI to remind them about tasks, while 36% would like assistance with research and 30% would use AI to help them scan electronic documents for the information they need. This points to an augmented future where automation helps humans be more productive. Previous research by Gartner points to the CIO as the person who'll be responsible for integrating humans and AI into one workforce.

"Our findings suggest that people are open to change, but they also show that workers want to be confident when using new technologies currently the majority don't feel they have the skills necessary to do so so more needs to be done by businesses. As long as employees adopt a learn-it-all mindset, and companies design user-centric technology that's intuitive, technology and work patterns should evolve hand in hand."

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.