60% of C-suite execs are actively seeking new roles at AI-forward companies

Companies are striving to take advantage of AI to improve their workflows and stay competitive. But many are struggling to figure out exactly how to integrate AI into their business. That challenge is leading to tension with employees who are eager to use AI to make their work faster and easier.

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A new report released this week by generative AI company Writer looks at the disconnect between what companies are able to do with AI and what employees want them to do. Titled “Generative AI Adoption in the Enterprise,” the report is based on a survey commissioned by Writer. Conducted by Workplace Intelligence, the survey elicited responses about AI in the workplace from 1,600 knowledge workers in the US, including 800 C-suite executives and 800 employees.

Professionals want AI in the workplace

Many professionals are seeking jobs that would let them work with generative AI. Among those surveyed, 59% of C-suite executives and 35% of employees said they’re actively looking for a new job with a company more innovative with generative AI than their current employer. Expanding on that, 59% of the executives and 45% of the employees said they wouldn’t even consider working for a company that isn’t using generative AI.

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As further evidence of the lure of AI, 97% of the executives and 81% of the employees said that if they were seeking a new job, they’d want one with a company leading and innovating in generative AI. Some 96% of the execs and 84% of the employees also said they’d expect an employer to provide training in the area of generative AI.

Businesses that are embracing AI shouldn’t have as much trouble retaining employees eager to use it.

Around 93% of the executives and 90% of the employees said that they’re optimistic about their company’s approach to generative AI. The survey respondents also pointed to several reasons why their employer has adopted AI. Revenue opportunity was the top reason, followed by employee interest, and then competitive pressure. Customer demand, a solution to a pain point, and executive ultimatum also made the list.

How are these professionals taking advantage of AI?

Data analysis and insights was the most popular answer. Customer support, knowledge management, automating complex tasks, and automating repetitive tasks were next in line. Other reasons included content generation, personalized communication, editing and proofreading, brainstorming, and forecasting and decision-making.

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Some 97% of the execs and 88% of employees said that they’ve benefited from generative AI tools. A large number said it gives them more time to focus on strategy. Others said that it offers them the ability to make data-driven decisions more quickly. Some said it allows them more time to explore new business opportunities.

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A smaller number reported that it gives them more time to manage or collaborate with colleagues. And others revealed that it helps them spend less time writing reports and emails or performing administrative tasks.

Why are companies struggling to integrate AI?

This brings us back to the companies struggling to integrate AI. What challenges and obstacles have companies faced?

Many of those surveyed said that the adoption of AI has led to power struggles within their company. Specifically, the move has created tension between IT and other lines of business, as well as between executives and employees. Some say that IT leaders aren’t working with employees to adopt AI, that IT isn’t delivering real value with generative AI, or that employees have been left to figure out how to use generative AI on their own.

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Other challenges have arisen. Some employees don’t even know if their company has an AI strategy. Many executives and employees alike believe that their employer hasn’t achieved a high ROI (return on investment) with AI despite their promises. At some companies, employees are paying out of pocket for their AI tools because their company doesn’t provide the ones they want to use.

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At some businesses, the situation has led to a severe disconnect. While many professionals want to use AI, others are averse to it in fear that it might replace them. A small number of employees even admitted to sabotaging their company’s AI strategy by making it appear as if the tools are underperforming or generating poor quality.

How organizations can move forward with AI

With companies struggling to adopt generative AI, some employees eager to use it, and others afraid of it, how can an organization move forward in this area? The report offers a few tips.

Create and invest in a formal generative AI plan. Based on the survey, companies that invest in a formal plan have been much more successful at integrating AI than those without a plan. Make sure you invest enough in the tools and technology to generate the ROI you want.
Nurture your AI champions. Support those people at your company who have embraced AI. They can help inspire other employees who may be more reticent to use it.
Choose the right vendors. The best vendors don’t just provide the necessary tools. They also can help you with change management, employee education, and even shaping your AI vision.

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