More Canadians are using generative AI tools in the workplace, survey finds
A new survey by KPMG in Canada has found a growing trend in the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools among Canadians in the workplace. The latest Generative AI Adoption Index found that 22 percent of respondents reported using these tools to assist with their job responsibilities.
The survey, gathering data from 4,515 Canadians, highlighted a rise in the number of users and an increase in the frequency of use compared to just six months ago. Over 60 percent of generative AI users now employ the technology multiple times a week, a jump from 52 percent in the previous survey conducted in May.
“The incredible speed of adoption after just one year of being introduced to the general public shows how generative AI has not only revolutionized the way people work, but it's supercharged the speed of technology innovation as well, with breakthroughs happening at a much faster rate,” says Seamus Blackmore, partner at KPMG in Canada and product leader at Lighthouse.
“For business leaders, it's imperative to keep up with this rapidly evolving technology, understand how it could affect their business, and adapt their strategies accordingly if they want to compete,” Blackmore adds.
The survey also found an annualized growth rate of 32 percent in the adoption of generative AI tools, suggesting that half of all Canadian workers could be using them within the next three years.
“When the tool first became available, workers were experimenting with it to see what it could do and if it could help them work smarter. Our survey clearly shows that generative AI has become a key resource for many Canadian professionals,” says Blackmore.
Generative AI at work
The survey found that employees using generative AI at work are experiencing higher productivity gains than previously reported. Nearly 58 percent of users reported that generative AI helped them save between one to five hours of work per week, up from 55 percent in May.
More than three-quarters (76 percent) of users rely on publicly available generative AI tools, while the remaining quarter (24 percent) use private generative AI tools developed exclusively by their employers.
“We're likely to see more organizations adopting private generative AI systems as access to customizable tools continues to expand - and the more employees use these tools, the more they will reap the benefits,” says Marc Low, director at KPMG Ignition.
Reluctant employers
Low notes that many organizations express interest in adopting private generative AI systems but hesitate due to the overwhelming influx of new tools, frequent updates, and the ever-changing dynamics of the market. He recommends that organizations conduct a thorough assessment of how generative AI will impact their operations.
“Adopting generative AI because it's the latest trend or because everyone else is doing it is not a sound business strategy. Organizations need to be intentional about generative AI; define why it's needed, where it will have the greatest impact, and how to measure improvements in productivity and competitiveness to ensure return on investment,” Low adds.
Among respondents not using generative AI tools for work, 27 percent do not perceive the benefits of the technology in their roles. Nearly the same proportion find the technology either too complex or lacks the necessary training for effective utilization. “This suggests that more education is needed for employers and employees to fully understand how transformative generative AI can be if integrated and deployed effectively,” he says.
Key findings of KPMG’s latest Generative AI Adoption Index:
- 20 percent of generative AI users reported using the technology daily, up from 18 percent in May. 41 percent reported using it a few times a week, compared to 34 percent in the previous survey.
- 77 percent stated that their employers were aware of their use of generative AI at work, an increase from the previous 64 percent. 90 percent expressed that generative AI tools enhanced the quality of their professional work, an increase from 84 percent.
- 72 percent deemed using generative AI essential to managing their workload, up from 65 percent. 76 percent reported that generative AI tools allowed them to take on additional work that they wouldn't have the capacity for, an increase from 67 percent.
- 55 percent reported always checking the accuracy of information produced by generative AI, up from 49 percent.
