Over 30% of French companies embrace AI

In the rapidly evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence (AI), its efficacy and optimal utilization in the workplace remain subjects of debate. How are employers in France navigating the implementation of AI, given the multitude of updates, concerns, and opinions surrounding this technology?

Insights from a recent study conducted by Pôle emploi, a French government agency facilitating employer-employee matches, shed light on this matter. Surprisingly, over 30% of French companies have already integrated artificial intelligence into their operations, a significant figure considering the relatively recent release of ChatGPT just seven months ago.

On the other hand, an additional 50% of French employers revealed that they neither use AI nor have intentions to adopt it in the future.

Among the organizations that have embraced AI, a staggering 73% reported positive effects on employee performance, while 74% believed it contributed to the development of employees’ skills.

Given the wide range of applications for ChatGPT and AI in general, particularly in the realm of human resources, an important question arises: What factors contribute to the discrepancy in AI adoption?

Compatibility emerges as a primary issue. A substantial 78% of respondents who have not implemented AI attribute their reluctance to the incompatibility of their work with AI tools. However, this is not the sole determinant.

Another crucial factor in the adoption of AI in workplaces appears to be the size of the organization. Among the respondent companies with over 100 employees, 34% have already integrated AI tools, a number that rises to 45% for companies with over 200 employees.

Fear also plays a significant role in discussions surrounding AI. Concerns about job displacement, inefficiency, and disruption to organizational dynamics loom large. Nearly 15% of French employers who do not use AI cited fear as a primary reason for their hesitance.

Two-thirds of the French companies that have implemented AI reported providing training to their employees to effectively utilize the technology. Additionally, 20% of these organizations opted to hire professionals already skilled in AI.

To alleviate fears and ensure the appropriate use of artificial intelligence, employee training emerges as a crucial element in the implementation process.