Hays survey finds broad acceptance of AI in the workplace but bosses don’t want to pay for upskilling
Four fifths (80%) of Irish employees are eager to participate in upskilling or reskilling programs to adopt AI technologies in the workplace yet only 16% have received any relevant training or support from their employers, according to the Hays Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide 2025.
The survey of more than was carried out between 21 August and 23 September 2024 and received more than 1,150 responses across a range of industry sectors and employed in various types and sizes of organisation in both the private and public sectors.
Almost three quarters (73%) of employees said they were not currently using AI tools or technology, largely due to a lack of understanding and workplace training. A further 88% of organisations polled said they had not prohibited the use of AI in the workplace, yet a significant gap in training persists.
Hesitance to embrace AI technologies came from insufficient understanding, training, and support in the workplace. Meanwhile, 53% of employers stated their organisations would not provide training or support for AI use.
Employers and employees, in general, agreed on the potential benefits of AI, such as boosting creativity and idea generation, improving productivity and efficiency, and supporting data analysis and decision-making.
However, while 62% of organisations plan to allow employees to use AI tools in the future with monitored usage, just 8% plan to permit unmonitored use, highlighting ongoing concerns about privacy and accountability.
Fears of employees being let go en masse seem overblown for now. Exactly 50% of employers said there were no roles in their organisations that could be replaced by AI right now.
Managing director of Hays Ireland, Maureen Lynch, said: “The report underscores the clear need for organisations to close the gap between employee interest in AI and employer-led action. Allowing employees to engage with AI without the proper tools and skills can lead to risks such as underutilisation or potential misuse of these innovative technologies and tools.
“By prioritising structured upskilling programs, employers can empower their teams to leverage AI’s full potential. This approach not only mitigates risks but also drives efficiency and productivity, ensuring that Irish business and professionals thrive in today’s evolving technological landscape.”
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers