The survey reveals mixed views on AI, highlighting optimism and rising security fears
A new global survey from the Peninsula Group reveals that one in three SMEs see AI as a tool with the potential to positively transform the workplace, while one in ten believe it will be highly detrimental.
Despite a 50 percent increase in AI use year-over-year, only one in ten SMEs regularly use AI. Australian and New Zealand employers are the most frequent AI users, while those in Ireland are least likely to incorporate it.
The report highlights growing concerns, with almost half of respondents identifying AI-related security risks as their primary issue, marking a 60 percent increase from last year.
Other concerns include reputational risks (up 183 percent), potential legal violations (up 183 percent), loss of intellectual property (up 178 percent), and effects on work quality and productivity (up 158 percent).
Interestingly, while some view AI’s potential as transformative, this view has slightly decreased by 6 percent, with 19 percent more businesses suggesting AI will be helpful but will not replace traditional methods. Additionally, 21 percent of employers report a growing fear of the unknown regarding AI.
Where AI is in use, SMEs mostly apply it to administrative tasks or creative writing. Fewer than 50 percent believe people remain irreplaceable within their business, and one in four say AI will likely reduce staff numbers in the future.
Canadian employers remain the most cautious, with only 23 percent believing AI has transformative potential. In contrast, 53 percent are either fearful or doubtful about its impact.
Australian employers express heightened concerns over intellectual property loss, while 40 percent of UK SMEs worry about AI’s error margins, up from 14 percent last year.
Peninsula Group Chief Operations Officer Alan Price commented, “AI continues to dominate the headlines, but it's clear that businesses are still unsure of the balance between risk and potential.”
“As usage increases, so do the concerns. This shows that there is still considerable work to be done to reassure SMEs around the world.”
“There are still significant concerns around security, productivity, and intellectual property [in AI] that need to be addressed before we will see widespread implementation across businesses. With online security and data protection being a top priority for most employers, this is not a big surprise.”
Price acknowledged concerns about premature integration, the need for safeguards, and AI’s reliance on human programming, as well as unconscious bias, with some respondents describing AI as “racist,” “sexist,” or vulnerable to manipulation.
The survey underscores that while many SMEs see the potential in AI, concerns must be addressed before widespread adoption can occur.
The survey, involving 79,000 businesses from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK, aims to understand employer perspectives on the use of AI in workplaces. This is the second year the survey has been conducted.
