🚨 Attention, bosses! A new wave of ‘Shadow AI’ is sweeping through UK workplaces, and it’s got some serious implications for your business and customer data. 🚨
You might think AI tools are only used with your blessing, but think again. Employees are secretly using these tools to meet quotas, targets, and deadlines, and it’s happening more than you’d think.
Microsoft’s latest research reveals that a whopping 71% of UK employees have used an unsanctioned AI tool at least once, with over half (51%) doing so week in, week out. 📈
So, what are they using these rogue AI tools for? Well, here’s a breakdown:
1. Email and communication (49%): AI tools help turn rants into professional emails.
2. Report and presentation drafting (40%): AI assists in creating polished documents.
3. Finance tasks (22%): AI helps crunch numbers and manage finances.
But here’s the catch: many employees aren’t aware of the risks. Only 32% are concerned about data security, and just 29% worry about IT security. 🛑
If customer or company data is fed into these tools without proper sanitization, it could be reused to train AI further, potentially leading to data breaches.
Despite the risks, confidence in AI tools is rising, with 57% of employees expressing positive emotions about AI in the workplace. More companies are developing AI strategies, but they need to ensure these tools are secure and suitable for the workplace.
“UK workers are embracing AI like never before,” says Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK & Ireland. “But enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. Businesses must ensure the AI tools in use are built for the workplace, not just the living room.”
So, bosses, it’s time to wake up and smell the AI. Your employees are using these tools, and you need to be aware of the risks and benefits.
