Is this a sign of belonging issues in the workplace?
More than half of employees in Singapore turn to artificial intelligence tools to ask for work advice, according to a new report, in a new indication of AI's growing role in the workplace.
Findings from Randstad Singapore revealed that 63% of employees use AI to seek work advice instead of asking their managers.
The figure goes up for younger employees in the workplace, with 68% of Gen Zs and 64% of Millennials saying they turn to AI for work advice.
Even more than half of older workers also admit to the practice, with 63% of Gen X and 51% of Baby Boomers saying they seek work advice from AI.
The findings are consistent with global reports of AI becoming a "new kind of team member" in the workplace.
Data from last year's Microsoft Work Trend Index revealed that 46% of employees see AI as a "thought partner" that they can have a conversation with.
A global report from The Adaptavist Group also revealed that 48% of employees are now consulting AI on legal or policy issues at work, while another 26% are engaging in small talk with the technology rather than with a human.
Employees' growing preference for gen AI in communication has been attributed to its ability to be always available and non-judgemental.
This is aligned with Randstad's findings, where 67% of employees cite their job insecurity as a factor in why they avoid raising issues with their manager at work.
"Interactions with AI can feel more private, contained, and forgiving, giving employees space to vent frustrations, explore ideas, or rehearse difficult conversations without fear of damaging performance reviews or workplace reputations," said Carolyn Freeman, CyberPsychology specialist, in a previous statement.
Belonging issues at work
But the findings in Singapore also signal a potential problem in belonging at work, where organisations are unable to shape connections among employees.
Instead, connections at work are being shaped by AI, as well as direct managers and colleagues.
Randstad found that 70% of Singaporeans feel more connected to their manager than they do with the organisation.
The majority of employees also said they have a strong relationship with their manager (74%), and they trust them with their career progression (70%).
Most employees also said they rely on colleagues from other generations to broaden their perspectives at work (79%). Others also feel most productive when they collaborate and when multiple perspectives are involved (83%).
"While most employees still feel a strong sense of belonging at work, their connection is increasingly shaped by their direct managers and their colleagues, rather than the organisation itself," Randstad said.
"Besides being a primary source of stability to employees in Singapore, managers are also increasingly seen as a key driver of trust and belonging in the workplace."
It advised organisations that they have the opportunity to make managers the "trust architects" for the workforce amid employees' lack of connections with their organisation.
It also underscored the importance of cross-generational learning and collaboration to further belonging.
"Employers who bring together diverse perspectives can create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and connected," it said.
"When collaboration is treated as a practical, everyday practice rather than just a buzzword, it fosters a stronger sense of belonging and loyalty among employees."
