35% of employees use personal AI tools at work

A recent survey has revealed that 35% of employees are spending their own money on AI tools for work. This trend highlights the growing value of generative AI in various industries, particularly in financial services and healthcare. The term WINS, which stands for Words, Images, Numbers, and Sounds, emphasizes the importance of AI in enhancing productivity in businesses. Companies need to assess how much they spend on creating and improving these digital assets. The survey shows that employees are willing to invest in AI tools, especially when organizational support is lacking. Key findings show that staff desire more education on generative AI, with 52% requesting training. Better tools and vendors were the second priority at 47%, followed closely by a need for more AI engineering talent at 46%. There is a clear demand from employees and executives for deeper understanding and hands-on experience with AI technology. An approach to address these needs is described as EAT AI: Education, Apply, and Transformation. Education is crucial for leaders and teams to grasp the potential of AI. Applying knowledge leads to skill development, and through this, companies can envision new possibilities for their future with AI. The survey also highlights potential risks for companies, especially in regulated industries, if they do not develop clear AI strategies and training. Employees using AI tools without proper guidelines can lead to challenges. Companies are encouraged to embrace the use of AI tools and support their workforce with training and resources. As AI technology continues to evolve, executives are urged to enable their employees to utilize the best tools for greater productivity and job satisfaction. The call to action is clear: companies must adapt to the changing landscape of work driven by AI.