Employers are expected to hire more workers because of the recent rise of generative AI, according to a study from Upwork. Specifically, 64% of C-Suite leaders said that AI has expanded their hiring plans.
The uptick is driven by companies need for both new hires and outside specialists to adapt to AI technology. Upwork said that 49% of the survey’s respondents said they will hire more freelancers, while another 49% said the same for full-time workers.
Remote-first as well as small- and medium-size businesses are leading the adoption of generative AI. The survey found that 68% of full-time remote companies are embracing generative AI compared to 53% of companies whose employees work full-time in the office. Meanwhile, 62% of midsize companies, and 56% of small companies, said they are leveraging generative AI, compared to 41% for larger companies .
Generational Disconnect
The study also found that the majority of business leaders – around 59% — are personally using generative AI solutions, including ChatGPT.
Still, the survey found a disconnect between some lower-tiered leaders and C-Suite executives. Upwork said 73% of C-Suite respondents embrace AI, where just about half of vice presidents, directors and senior managers agreed. Upwork believes this results from concerns about early adoption and the potential risks associated with the technology or ROI.
“The early findings from our study reveal that embracing generative AI throughout all levels of an organization will be imperative,” said Kelly Monahan, managing director at the Upwork Research Institute. “However, our survey shows that there is currently a disconnect between C-Suite executives and their teams and this is likely due to a lack of training and understanding of how this technology will impact work.
“Businesses that want to bridge this gap should roll out a strategy that includes communication around the expectations and outcomes for their workforce, clear policies, addressing fear and uncertainty and, perhaps most importantly, adopting a learning orientation,” she said.
