A recent poll by the CIPD has found that almost two thirds of people (63%) would trust artificial intelligence (AI) to inform, but not make, important work decisions.
The survey of over 2,000 people showed that 35 percent would prefer human intelligence for such decisions, while just 1 percent would trust AI to make them outright.
The findings come as the UK Government launches the AI Opportunities Action Plan, aimed at accelerating AI adoption in public services and driving economic growth. While CIPD supports the increased use of AI, it says there is the need for a human-centred approach to mitigate risks and ensure ethical implementation.
Clear Guidelines
Hayfa Mohdzaini, senior policy and practice adviser for technology at the CIPD, said, “There’s no question that AI is transforming jobs, careers and workplaces at a rapid pace. By fostering a culture of experimentation and shared learning, organisations can help employees to develop their skills and become more comfortable using new technologies.”
The professional body for HR and people development is calling on employers and HR teams to establish clear guidelines on AI use in the workplace. These should address ethical considerations, data security, and fair treatment of employees.
“We’ve seen that AI can be used effectively to support decision-making and simplify processes, thereby freeing up time to do other things,” Mohdzaini added. “But as our findings suggest, human oversight is still very important and there’s a careful balance to be struck. When used alongside human judgement, and in a responsible and ethical way, AI can enhance jobs and increase productivity.”
Business leaders and HR professionals responding to the poll acknowledged AI’s potential benefits but highlighted the need for human oversight in decisions that affect people. Some suggested that trust in AI should be built gradually, depending on the nature of the decision being made.
“Organisations have a responsibility to have clear guidelines in place and train people on AI as needed, to ensure that no one gets left behind,” Mohdzaini concluded. “It’s also essential for employers to monitor how technology is being used in their organisations and to help employees to understand the risks involved.”
