AI Aversion
A new survey by Indeed invoving 1000 respondents has found that 31% of small businesses are afraid to implement AI (i.e. AI aversion). This is despite the fact that they recognise its considerable potential in terms of the future, including time savings, greater efficiency, lower costs, improved decision making, improved innovation and product development, more time to focus upon business development, better work-life balance, the ability to focus more on better quality work, greater job satisfaction, and the fact that it could pave the way for the introduction of a four-day working week.
Contributory Factors
A contributory factor for 26% of small businesses in terms of this AI aversion has been opposition from staff to its use, with 33% feeling unable to motivate their employees to use it.
Further concerns driving AI aversion include the fear of flawed deployment and potential business disruption. 43% also fear that AI tools may be misused by staff, thereby undermining their business.
Other Findings
Whilst there is AI aversion amongst a sizeable minority of small businesses, the research also found that:-
- 41% of small business want AI, but don't know how to go about integrating it
- Two in five want AI tools that are simple to use
- 29% prefer that AI tools be incorporated into existing software
- Integrating AI is seen by 49% as a potential game-changer for advancing their business
- 48% were of the view that integrating AI poses more challenges for small enterprises than it does for large ones, with 41% believing that having less financial resources placed them at a disadvantage
- 41% believe that being a small business gives them greater adaptability and autonomy to integrate AI compared to larger enterprises
- Using AI is seen by 44% as a tool to even the competitive landscape with larger businesses
- 26% would like Government funding to assist them with the implementation of AI
- 29% state that support from external consultants with AI integration would greatly assist them
Comment
Commenting upon the findings in relation to AI aversion amongst small businesses, the Senior Marketing Manager for SMB at Indeed, Caroline Barbour, stated: "Small businesses are the backbone of the UK’s economy and it’s imperative that they are able to grow and adapt to new technologies. Small business owners are understandably nervous about tackling AI, but at the same time, acknowledge the many benefits AI usage can bring about for their business. It’s important that small businesses have the support they need to navigate this wave of AI adoption [and deal with AI aversion), and are set up with easy-to-use tools, or features that integrate within their existing product suite."
A Quarter Of Workers Looking For New Employment
Survey
New research conducted by Ciphr has found that 26% of workers are currently looking for a new job due to the cost of living crisis, with 15% having already started a new job in the last 6 months.
Highest Rates
The rates are highest within the sales profession and in the London region.
Workers at the outset of their careers were the most proactive in seeking alternative employment opportunities. The rate is 53% for 18-24 year olds, and 34% amongst those aged 25-34. The proportion of those aged over 55 who are looking is just 9%.
Other Findings
Of those looking for a new job, 53% have either upped their hours and / or increased the number of shifts they work in order to boost their income. 40% have taken on a side hustle for the same reason.
Comment
Commenting upon the findings, the chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, Claire Williams, stated: "Most employers are very aware that retention continues to be a challenge. Especially when so many people are continuing to feel financial pressures....We know from previous research that salary is rarely the only aspect of a job that governs whether people stay or leave an organisation...[There are] many other things....HR’s role is to understand what is driving employee turnover...They should be creating strategies to improve retention where needed – listening to employee feedback to shape the broader...employee value proposition."
