In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, employees are grappling with the fear of falling behind in their careers due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). A recent survey conducted by graphic design company Canva sheds light on the extent to which employees are exaggerating their AI skills to combat job insecurity.
Canva’s survey of 1,000 working professionals reveals that 26% of employees admit to occasionally overstating their knowledge of AI or generative AI, driven by the worry that their lack of expertise in these areas could hinder their career prospects. While 72% of professionals claimed familiarity with the term “artificial intelligence,” only 51% expressed the same level of familiarity with “generative AI.”
Cameron Adams, co-founder and chief product officer at Canva, highlights the leveling effect of AI knowledge, stating, “The playing field is relatively level when it comes to AI knowledge. It underscores for anyone who is feeling lost or behind that they aren’t alone – we’re all navigating this new era of work and creativity.”
The survey also reveals that 41% of professionals fear falling behind in their jobs if they don’t possess AI skills. However, there is a growing interest in improving AI and generative AI expertise, with 85% of respondents indicating at least some level of interest.
Adams emphasizes the challenges employees face in keeping pace with AI’s rapid evolution, including the confusion caused by ever-changing policies and regulations. Learning AI might seem like an insurmountable task, leading individuals to feel pressured to become experts overnight.
To address this issue, Adams suggests that employers provide accessible resources and tools for employees to learn and experiment with AI. Starting with small, low-stakes tasks can build confidence and pave the way for broader AI adoption. Additionally, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and learning from experiences can prevent employees from feeling left behind. Public forums where teams can freely discuss their AI use cases and discoveries are recommended.
As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, organizations and individuals that embrace and understand its potential will gain a competitive edge. Investing in AI skills development within the workforce will not only alleviate job insecurity but also empower employees to leverage AI for improved productivity and business growth.
FAQ:
Q: What percentage of employees admit to exaggerating their AI skills?
A: According to Canva’s survey, 26% of employees occasionally exaggerate their knowledge of AI or generative AI.
Q: Why do employees feel the need to embellish their AI skills?
A: Job insecurity linked to automation is a significant factor driving employees to overstate their AI skills. Many fear falling behind in their jobs if they lack AI expertise.
Q: What percentage of professionals are interested in improving their AI skills?
A: The survey reveals that 85% of professionals express some level of interest in enhancing their AI and generative AI skills and knowledge.
Q: How can employers support employees in learning AI?
A: Employers should provide accessible resources and tools for employees to learn and experiment with AI. Starting with small, low-stakes tasks and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and learning from experiences can boost employees’ confidence and prevent them from feeling left behind.
Q: Why is learning AI challenging for employees?
A: AI technology is evolving rapidly with new tools emerging regularly. Policies and regulations are also constantly evolving, making it confusing for individuals to keep up with the latest developments in the field.