A new survey highlights how AI is reshaping managerial decision-making in the workplace.
- Over 86% of UK managers are optimistic about AI’s potential to enhance their roles.
- AI tools are seen as crucial for informed, data-driven decisions in management.
- The majority of managers feel AI adoption is already taking place in their work.
- Trust and data privacy remain significant concerns in AI tool usage.
A groundbreaking survey conducted by Visier brings to light the significant impact of AI on managerial roles across the UK. The research indicates that a staggering 86% of UK people managers express optimism about the potential of generative AI tools to enhance their roles. This enthusiasm mirrors a broader trend observed globally, with 87% of respondents sharing this positive sentiment about AI’s role in improving management effectiveness.
The survey underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in managerial roles. With 94% of UK managers acknowledging that better access to people-related data would increase their confidence in decision-making processes, the reliance on intuition and practical experience remains prevalent. As Ben Harris, Vice President EMEA at Visier, points out, ‘Nearly half of the survey respondents said their current decision making process is greatly influenced by intuition and practical experience, rather than hard facts.’ This highlights a critical need for accessible data to streamline decision-making and align with organizational strategies.
Adoption of AI tools is not only a future consideration but a current reality for many managers. Over half of the UK respondents have already utilized generative AI tools to support their managerial duties, demonstrating a growing integration of AI in management practices. The survey reveals that 59% of UK managers use AI tools to assist in writing performance reviews, a figure higher than the global average of 49%. Additionally, 93% indicate a willingness to use AI tools regularly, provided they meet their desired use cases.
Despite the advantages, concerns over trust and data privacy pose challenges to AI tool adoption. About 33% of UK respondents express concerns over data privacy and security, while another 33% report organizational restrictions on AI tool usage. Furthermore, 15% of managers admit to a lack of trust in these tools. This underlines the necessity for AI tools that are both secure and user-friendly, to foster wider acceptance and integration in the workplace.
Keith Bigelow, Chief Product Officer at Visier, emphasizes the transformative potential of generative AI: ‘Generative AI has the ability to democratize access, providing deep insights within the flow of work, and without the need to become proficient in analytics tools.’ The integration of AI offers the possibility of acting as a personal coach, providing real-time insights to enhance performance and maintain a competitive edge. The balance between data-driven insights and practical experience is crucial for effective decision-making and strategic alignment in organizations.
The integration of AI in managerial roles promises enhanced decision-making and efficiency, albeit with challenges in trust and data security.