Senior executives embrace AI optimism

AI is ushering in a new era of work that will impact jobs, careers, and industries. People are looking for answers about how work will change and what they can do to be in control of their careers. Professionals and companies are coming together on LinkedIn to ask and discuss questions about how AI will shape the future.

Point of view from the C-suite

LinkedIn’s Executive Confidence Index delves into how C-suite and senior executives feel about changing workplaces, with a focus on business outlook, talent, and new technologies, including AI. The June 2023 results revealed that US executives have a positive outlook on their overall business when it comes to their ability to drive profit and invest in future growth, despite lingering uncertainty around the macro-environment.

On the talent front, US executives express less confidence about attracting and retaining workers, and they see room for improvement in terms of developing talent. When it comes to AI, our data shows that senior executives are mostly optimistic that the technology will provide productivity and revenue-enhancing benefits, even if it’s unclear how AI will transform their organisation over the long term.

While we’re in the early days, AI is already accelerating noticeable shifts across the workforce that are spurring professionals and companies to adapt. Companies that embrace AI and support upskilling to help professionals adapt to and benefit from changes will have the most success attracting — and keeping — top talent.

1.       51% of US executives are excited about AI advancements but do not yet know how their organisation will leverage AI tools and skills.

2.       47% of US executives agree that “using GAI will increase productivity.”

3.       44% of US executives agree that they are planning to increase their use of AI at their organisation in the next year.

4.       40% of US executives also agree that using GAI will help unlock more growth and revenue opportunities in the next year.

5.       At present, only 4% of executives plan to reassess roles and reduce headcount as an impact of AI on their workforce.

Trepidation is normal

That said, we’re seeing mostly excitement from professionals about how these tools can help improve their productivity and reduce their workloads. According to the 2023 Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report:

Not only did three in four people share that they would be comfortable using AI for administrative tasks (76%), but most people also said they would be comfortable using it for analytical (79%) and even creative work (73%).

People are also looking for AI to assist with finding the right information and answers they need (86%), summarising their meetings and action items (80%), and planning their day (77%).