The 2024 Work Trend Index shows that most of us prefer using AI at work

According to the Work Trend Index released by Microsoft and Linkedin, people prefer using AI at work. Somehow, this result isn’t surprising because AI can help us work faster and more efficiently. In addition, the assistants can record meetings, summarize information, and help us manage workloads easier.

Researchers used data from 31,000 people across 31 countries, labor and hiring trends on LinkedIn, and trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals to realize the Work Trend Index. On top of that, Microsoft keeps adding new features to its AI assistants. Also, now, LinkedIn has more than 50 courses on AI for its premium subscribers.

Are employees using generative AI at work more?

Based on the study, the use of generative AI at work doubled in the past six months. Additionally, there is a 142x increase in LinkedIn members showcasing AI skills in their profiles. Furthermore, employers are looking for more people experienced in AI.

AI is critical for companies to remain competitive, and that’s what 79% of the leaders agree. Also, employees and employers can benefit from using the same AI tools at work. After all, it is easier to use well-managed data, especially when you can have it in a single place.

Unfortunately, according to 60% of employers, their companies aren’t ready to implement AI. So, employees are bringing their preferred AI models to work. However, that could lead to potential data leaks and other similar issues.

Employers are looking more actively after people with AI skills. However, only 39% of the users received specialized training for AI at work. Also, just 25% of the companies might offer AI coaching this year. In addition, people are developing new skills and changing careers with the help of AI.

How are big companies supporting AI usage?

Big companies are supporting AI usage by adding new features and training courses. For example, Microsoft will add new functions to Copilot to promote AI at work:

1. Auto-complete will make it prompt generation faster.
2. Rewrite will change basic queries into rich prompts.
3. Catch Up will prepare you for upcoming meetings.

In addition, Microsoft will add new functions to the Copilot Lab to help you create, manage, and publish prompts specifically made for you and your team based on the information you provide.

LinkedIn also provides users with over 600 AI courses to develop new AI-related skills. In addition, you can find lessons tailored based on your skill level. Also, the platform introduced a new AI-powered coaching tool that helps you find personalized content for your needs. Moreover, LinkedIn can suggest what skills to develop and jobs tailored to your expertise.

In a nutshell, many of us prefer using AI at work to increase productivity and efficiency. After all, it can help us handle more easily with heavy workloads. Additionally, employers understand that AI is crucial for their company’s development. On top of that, 66% of leaders are more likely to hire people with AI skills. Furthermore, big companies like Microsoft are developing new features to increase the usefulness of AI assistants and tools.

What are your thoughts? Do you use AI at work? Let us know in the comments.