I wrote earlier this year about research examining how senior leaders felt about AI technology and its potential impact on their workplace. Most were overwhelmingly optimistic.

For instance, the majority thought that technology will not only make jobs easier, it will also take away many of the mundane tasks we have to perform, thus freeing us up for more enjoyable work. What’s more, in terms of job displacement, 65% of respondents thought that technology had increased the number of jobs available, with the majority believing this trend will continue into the future.

“Far from the widespread fear that automation will make employees redundant, our research shows that the workplace of the future could create opportunities for more flexible and fulfilling work. Many organisations and employees are buying into the idea of flexible working, but struggling to implement the reality. Our research suggests that robots could be a significant part of the solution,” the researchers say.

Managerial support

Similar proclamations of support have come from a recent survey of leaders undertaken by software company SAP.  It revealed that 90% of leaders believe AI will be crucial for their company’s prospects in the coming years.

The survey, which featured a few thousand executives from Australia, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States, suggests that there is growing momentum behind the introduction of AI-powered technologies into the workplace.  Indeed, 60% of leaders have either implemented or are planing to implement AI in the next year, with a third planing to invest anywhere from $500,000 to $5 million in the coming year.

SAP believe their findings highlight the growing importance of turning what has often been quite passive data into active intelligence to ensure the business makes smart and informed decisions at all times.

They reveal that the UK is currently leading the pack in terms of AI deployment, with nearly 90% of executives revealing that their organizations can use AI to make predictions or critical decisions in the near future.

The survey also highlighted the change in leadership style that will be needed as the workforce adapts to work alongside machines.  Whilst there has been a lot of talk about the changing requirements of the ‘rank and file’, the report reminds us that changes will also be required by leaders and how they manage their organizations.