Employees using their own AI tools could compromise organisations’ data protection, explained Helen Poitevin, vice president analyst at insights provider Gartner HR.
“Employees are using generative AI to support their work regardless of whether employers permit it, which poses several risks to the organisation,” she told HR magazine.
“If employees are using publicly hosted large language models, then using it for work purposes, for example entering the company’s and individual’s data, presents data privacy violations. Equally, whichever AI model is being used, users run the risk of verifying the results.”
Deloitte's survey, published last Friday (30 August), showed that 48% of employees who use AI for work used free, publicly available generative AI (GenAI) tools.
A further 62% reported thinking that either a 'great' or 'fair' amount of UK employees use generative AI without their employer’s permission. When asked why, 40% said because employees did not see any risks in doing so, while 13% thought that employees doubted the company would check their use.
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“Discrimination and bias can arise from untrained AI use if biased data sets are used for decision-making,” added Aidan Cramer, CEO of AI job search tool AI Apply.
He told HR magazine: "While AI can automate tasks, it can’t replace critical thinking and problem-solving. Over-reliance on AI can lead to poor work quality and stifled creativity, especially in creative fields. Plagiarism is also a risk if employees simply copy and paste AI-generated content.”
Rather than allow employees to access public AI tools, employers should provide their own, regulated AI tools, commented Jim Moore, employee relations partner at consultancy Hamilton Nash.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “The fact that nearly half of UK employees are using free, publicly available GenAI tools should set alarm bells ringing for HR departments and business leaders.
“If there’s value in using AI in the workplace, this use case should be thoroughly vetted by the business. Once deemed safe, the tools should be paid for by the company.”
Deloitte's research revealed that 22% of employees used generative AI tools that are either developed by their company or commissioned from third-party developers. It also showed that 50% of employees trusted businesses and organisations to use these tools responsibly.
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Employers are responsible for ensuring employees’ use of AI is compliant, commented Max Specht, who specialises in workplace trends at the HR software firm, Personio.
“While using AI tools at work can bring many efficiencies, businesses need to ensure that the use of AI remains compliant, to avoid unnecessary risk,” he told HR magazine.
“One way to promote responsible usage is to implement a supportive and transparent framework around how to best use AI tools. Hosting regular AI training workshops can play a key role here, teaching employees how AI can enhance the work they are already doing.
“Arming the workforce with the skills they need to use AI responsibly and effectively should be a key consideration for businesses looking to boost productivity and success.”
Deloitte surveyed 1,864 UK employees who were aware of generative AI between 28 June and 12 July 2024. A quarter of these (25%) used it in a work capacity.