Nearly half think their manager is out of touch with the technology
Most Canadian workers are optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, but few use AI tools regularly and many feel underprepared, according to a recent report.
Overall, 56% of those who use AI at work say it enhances their productivity. Younger workers are more likely to see benefits, with 69% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennials reporting increased productivity, compared to 50 per cent of Gen X and 38% of Boomers.
Despite this optimism, regular use of AI remains low. While 58% of Canadian workers say their employer provides AI tools, only 8% use them daily, finds the report from TD Bank Group. Less than 1 in 5 (14%) use them weekly, 13% monthly, and 42% never use AI tools at work.
“AI is transforming how Canadians work, but meaningful adoption requires more than just new tools. It takes trust, training, and thoughtful leadership,” says Luke Gee, chief analytics & AI officer, TD Bank Group.
Organisations are rapidly integrating AI into core business functions, but governance practices have not kept pace, according to a previous report.
Have employers provided enough AI training?
Employees are still waiting for employers to provide them with the necessary training around AI, according to TD’s survey of 2,500 Canadian adults conducted by Ipsos in March.
Nearly two thirds (64%) of workers using AI feel their employers have not provided adequate training, and 27% strongly disagree that they have received sufficient guidance.
Nearly six in ten (58% of workers believe most of their colleagues do not understand AI, and 48% think their manager is out of touch with the technology.
Currently, more than half (52%%) of those who use AI at work believe AI expertise gives them a competitive edge, but 27 per cent admit to exaggerating their proficiency to colleagues.
Generational differences are evident in attitudes towards AI. Aboout a third (32%) of Gen Z workers view AI as more of an opportunity than a threat to future jobs, compared to 23% of Millennials, 18% of Gen X, and 19% of Boomers.
Organisations rushing to adopt AI without a clear use case or training strategy are setting themselves up for failure, according to an expert.
Many employers admit to underinvesting in AI training for workers, according to a previous KPMG report.
