Top-down Approach to Generative AI is Crucial as Canadian Employees Surpass Employers in Adoption
CDW Canada's new research reveals significant unauthorized use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in Canadian workplaces. The study shows 47 percent of Canadian workers are using unregulated AI tools, with 33 percent using them weekly. Employee confidence in AI increases when organizations take the lead, with 61 percent feeling comfortable when tools are officially implemented.
The research highlights that mid and senior-level employees are the primary users of unapproved GenAI tools, with 38 percent and 37 percent respectively using them without approval. While 36 percent of organizations plan to implement AI tools, 73 percent haven't sought third-party support, putting pressure on internal IT teams.
La nuova ricerca di CDW Canada rivela un significativo utilizzo non autorizzato degli strumenti di intelligenza artificiale generativa (GenAI) nei luoghi di lavoro canadesi. Lo studio mostra che il 47 percento dei lavoratori canadesi utilizza strumenti di intelligenza artificiale non regolamentati, con il 33 percento che li utilizza settimanalmente. La fiducia dei dipendenti nell'IA aumenta quando le organizzazioni prendono l'iniziativa, con il 61 percento che si sente a proprio agio quando gli strumenti vengono ufficialmente implementati.
La ricerca evidenzia che i dipendenti a livello intermedio e senior sono i principali utenti di strumenti GenAI non approvati, con il 38 percento e il 37 percento rispettivamente che li utilizzano senza approvazione. Anche se il 36 percento delle organizzazioni prevede di implementare strumenti di IA, il 73 percento non ha cercato supporto di terze parti, esercitando pressione sui team IT interni.
La nueva investigación de CDW Canadá revela un uso significativo no autorizado de herramientas de inteligencia artificial generativa (GenAI) en los lugares de trabajo canadienses. El estudio muestra que el 47 por ciento de los trabajadores canadienses utilizan herramientas de IA no reguladas, con el 33 por ciento utilizándolas semanalmente. La confianza de los empleados en la IA aumenta cuando las organizaciones lideran, con el 61 por ciento sintiéndose cómodos cuando las herramientas se implementan oficialmente.
La investigación destaca que los empleados de nivel medio y superior son los principales usuarios de herramientas GenAI no aprobadas, con el 38 por ciento y el 37 por ciento respectivamente utilizándolas sin aprobación. Aunque el 36 por ciento de las organizaciones planea implementar herramientas de IA, el 73 por ciento no ha buscado apoyo de terceros, lo que ejerce presión sobre los equipos de TI internos.
CDW 캐나다의 새로운 연구는 캐나다 직장에서 생성적 AI(GenAI) 도구의 상당한 무단 사용을 밝혀냈습니다. 연구에 따르면 47퍼센트의 캐나다 근로자가 규제되지 않은 AI 도구를 사용하고 있으며, 33퍼센트는 매주 사용하고 있습니다. 조직이 주도할 때 직원들의 AI에 대한 신뢰가 증가하며, 61퍼센트가 공식적으로 도구가 구현되면 편안함을 느낍니다.
연구는 중간 및 고위 직원들이 승인되지 않은 GenAI 도구의 주요 사용자이며, 각각 38퍼센트와 37퍼센트가 승인 없이 사용하고 있음을 강조합니다. 36퍼센트의 조직이 AI 도구를 구현할 계획을 가지고 있지만, 73퍼센트는 제3자의 지원을 찾지 않았으며, 이는 내부 IT 팀에 압박을 가하고 있습니다.
La nouvelle recherche de CDW Canada révèle une utilisation significative non autorisée des outils d'intelligence artificielle générative (GenAI) dans les lieux de travail canadiens. L'étude montre que 47 pour cent des travailleurs canadiens utilisent des outils d'IA non réglementés, avec 33 pour cent qui les utilisent chaque semaine. La confiance des employés dans l'IA augmente lorsque les organisations prennent les devants, 61 pour cent se sentant à l'aise lorsque les outils sont officiellement mis en œuvre.
La recherche met en évidence que les employés de niveau intermédiaire et supérieur sont les principaux utilisateurs d'outils GenAI non approuvés, avec 38 pour cent et 37 pour cent respectivement les utilisant sans approbation. Bien que 36 pour cent des organisations prévoient d'implémenter des outils d'IA, 73 pour cent n'ont pas cherché de soutien tiers, mettant ainsi la pression sur les équipes informatiques internes.
Die neue Forschung von CDW Kanada zeigt eine erhebliche unautorisierte Nutzung von Generativer KI (GenAI) Werkzeugen an kanadischen Arbeitsplätzen. Die Studie zeigt, dass 47 Prozent der kanadischen Arbeiter unregulierte KI-Tools nutzen, wobei 33 Prozent diese wöchentlich verwenden. Das Vertrauen der Mitarbeiter in KI steigt, wenn die Organisationen die Initiative ergreifen, wobei 61 Prozent sich wohlfühlen, wenn die Werkzeuge offiziell implementiert werden.
Die Forschung hebt hervor, dass Mitarbeiter auf mittlerer und höherer Ebene die Hauptnutzer von nicht genehmigten GenAI-Tools sind, wobei 38 Prozent bzw. 37 Prozent diese ohne Genehmigung nutzen. Während 36 Prozent der Organisationen planen, KI-Tools zu implementieren, haben 73 Prozent keine Unterstützung von Dritten eingeholt, was den Druck auf interne IT-Teams erhöht.
- None.
- None.
CDW Canada’s report, Uncharted Innovation: The Rise of Unofficial AI Tool Usage Among Canadian Office Workers, finds 47 percent of Canadian workers are using unregulated AI tools
Employee driven adoption is outpacing organization policies
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become even more accessible, employees are increasingly leveraging GenAI to enhance productivity and explore new workflows. However, much of this adoption occurs informally without approval or guidance from their organizations, as nearly half (47 percent) of Canadian employees admitted to using unregulated AI tools. Additionally, over a third (33 percent) of these unregulated users engage with AI tools weekly, signaling a strong demand for accessible organization-approved AI solutions.
“As AI becomes embedded in society and the workplace, employers must be prepared to provide the necessary framework to guide responsible use,” said Brian Matthews, Head of Services, Digital Workspace at CDW Canada. “Organizations that don’t prioritize formal AI adoption risk being left behind. Lack of AI adoption can also pose increased security risks, particularly if employees are using unregulated tools.”
The survey found employees feel more confident using AI when their organization takes the lead. Many (61 percent) Canadian employees report feeling comfortable with workplace AI tools when they are officially implemented by their employer, compared to only 43 percent in workplaces without approved AI tools. Additionally, 54 percent of employees without access to AI tools indicated an interest in using them if implemented first by their organization.
As demand and unregulated use continue to surge, organizations will need to adapt to remain competitive and retain Millennial and Gen Z talent, as over half (61 percent) of younger employees aged 18 to 34 are adopting AI tools, significantly above the national average of 45 percent. This presents an opportunity for employers to shape the use of AI within their organization, ensuring security while meeting the rising demand for innovative solutions.
Unregulated use high amongst mid-level and senior-level employees
As Canadian employees increasingly rely on GenAI tools for tasks involving sensitive data, many organizations are left vulnerable due to the absence of guidance and policies. The survey found that mid and senior-level employees are the biggest users of unapproved GenAI tools. Over a third of mid-level (38 percent) and senior-level (37 percent) employees report using these tools without workplace approval. Without secure platforms and clear guidelines, organizations face risks to data security and reputation that they may not be aware of.
“Embracing AI is not just a choice but a necessity to remain competitive, but without a structured approach to adoption the risks increase significantly,” said KJ Burke, Field CTO, Hybrid Infrastructure at CDW Canada. “Organizations can maintain integrity and security by establishing a framework to address data privacy, proper ethical use and regulatory compliance while empowering employees.”
GenAI governance increases pressure on IT teams
Organizations are constantly contending with everchanging technology and the unknowns as AI applications evolve. Internal IT teams are bearing the burden of AI adoption, often without the resources or expertise needed to manage its unique challenges.
The report found that while 36 percent of organizations are planning to implement AI tools, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) have yet to enlist third-party support.
“AI governance is complex and requires a specialized skill set and internal teams can quickly become stretched thin,” said Brian Matthews, Head of Services, Digital Workspace at CDW Canada. “A trusted third party can provide tailored expertise on AI solutions to address specific challenges and job duties, allowing organizations to reap the full benefits of AI.”
To learn more about the opportunities and challenges Generative AI presents to organizations, download the report here.
Join the conversation online by following @CDWCanada on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
-30-
About the Survey
These are the findings of an online survey conducted by CDW from September 23, 2024, to October 1, 2024, among a sample of 1000 office workers who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points, 95 times out of 100.
About CDW Canada
CDW Canada Corp. is a leading provider of technology services and solutions for business, government, education and healthcare. Established in 2003, CDW Canada is the country’s trusted advisor for cybersecurity, hybrid infrastructure and digital transformation. CDW Canada experts design, orchestrate and manage customized services and solutions, making technology work so people can do great things. Through its services-led approach, CDW Canada simplifies complex technology to empower customers to focus on their business and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. CDW Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation (Nasdaq: CDW), a Fortune 500 company. For more information, visit www.cdw.ca.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241119129044/en/
For further information, please contact:
Julie Clivio
VP, Growth & Operations, CDW Canada
647.288.5828 | julie.clivio@cdw.ca
Source: CDW Canada
FAQ
What percentage of Canadian workers are using unauthorized AI tools according to CDW's 2023 report?
How many Canadian organizations are planning to implement AI tools?
What percentage of younger employees (18-34) are adopting AI tools?
How many organizations have sought third-party support for AI implementation?
