A recent study by Slack's Workforce Lab has revealed five distinct personas shaping the future of work in Singapore, particularly in how employees engage with artificial intelligence (AI). The research, based on interviews and surveys with 1,031 workers, highlights how employers can help onboard workers to the “AI Team” – a workplace where AI tools and human employees collaborate effectively.
Five personas define AI usage
Slack's research delves into the motivations and behaviours of workers when it comes to AI usage. These insights are crucial as employers increasingly implement AI technologies to boost productivity and employee engagement. The study identifies five AI personas that vary in how they interact with AI, ranging from enthusiastic adopters to sceptical onlookers.
- The Maximalist (25%): This group is the most vocal about AI, using it frequently to enhance their work. They openly share their experiences and advocate for its benefits, seeing AI as a key tool for increasing productivity.
- The Underground (22%): These workers use AI just as often as the Maximalists, but they prefer to keep their usage under wraps. They are reluctant to share their AI activities with colleagues, largely due to concerns about how it will be perceived.
- The Rebel (13%): The Rebels avoid AI altogether and are critical of its use in the workplace. They believe AI poses a threat to society and feel it's unfair when others rely on it to complete tasks.
- The Superfan (23%): Superfans admire AI and its potential, though they haven't fully integrated it into their own work. They are keen to learn more and appreciate creative uses of AI by their peers.
- The Observer (17%): Observers take a cautious approach to AI. While they aren't actively using AI yet, they are keeping an eye on its developments and show interest in gaining new skills in the future.
Urgent need for AI adoption
The findings of this study come at a time when there is a growing sense of urgency among business leaders to implement AI. According to Slack's research, this urgency has increased sevenfold since the start of the year. Despite this, over two-thirds of workers in Singapore have yet to incorporate AI into their daily tasks.
Christina Janzer, Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics at Slack, emphasised the importance of bringing employees on board with AI: “The AI-powered future of work isn't just about enterprises, it's also about employees — and it's redefining everything from careers to workplace culture. But to realise the promise of AI, companies need to make AI work for workers and bring everyone onboard The AI Team.”
If businesses and their employees don't adopt AI soon, they risk losing substantial benefits. Not only can AI increase efficiency, but it can also improve the overall employee experience, from performance to wellbeing.
Customising AI integration
The study also underscores the need for a tailored approach when introducing AI into the workplace. Workers' responses to AI vary based on their persona, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective. For example, Maximalists are eager to embrace AI, while Rebels are resistant. Understanding these personas allows companies to support their employees more effectively as they navigate this technological shift.
Lori Castillo Martinez, Executive Vice President of Talent Growth and Development at Salesforce, pointed out that employees must adapt to working with AI to stay relevant in the future workforce. “Workers across industries must learn how to work with AI or risk getting left behind. At Salesforce, we're helping our employees identify skill gaps that may prevent them from growing their careers, and bridge those gaps to take full advantage of the AI future,” she said.
As AI becomes a more integral part of the workplace, employers in Singapore and beyond must consider these personas to ensure a smooth transition. Helping employees navigate their AI journey could be the key to unlocking the full potential of both human and AI collaboration.
