AI in the Workplace: A Benchmarking Report on AI Awareness and Understanding in the Welsh Public Sector

Exploring AI in the Workplace: A Report on Awareness in the Welsh Public Sector

A Welsh Government report offers a detailed look into the awareness and understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) within the public sector.

Conducted by the Workforce Partnership Council (WPC), this user research highlights perceptions, benefits, barriers, and ethical concerns surrounding AI in workplaces across Wales.

The findings set a benchmark for future surveys as AI integration becomes more prevalent.

Using artificial intelligence at work | GOV.WALES

Awareness of artificial intelligence in the public sector.

GOV.WALES

What Does AI Mean to Workers?

Respondents’ understanding of AI varied widely. Many associated it with tools that automate tasks, streamline workflows, and mimic decision-making processes.

For some, AI brought to mind virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa or platforms like ChatGPT, while others referenced science fiction portrayals from films and books.

While many understood AI’s reliance on algorithms and data, misconceptions were evident. Some believed AI required constant internet access or possessed human-like self-awareness, ideas likely influenced by pop culture.

Nonetheless, there was general agreement on AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and reduce repetitive tasks, albeit with caution about its broader implications.

AI at Work: Current Applications and Perceptions

AI usage in the workplace, though still emerging, is gaining traction. Respondents noted its application in drafting documents, taking meeting notes, and offering training solutions.

ChatGPT and similar tools were seen as valuable for simplifying tasks and brainstorming ideas. However, accuracy remained a concern, with most users stating the need for human oversight to ensure quality and precision.

Sector-specific applications of AI were also highlighted. In healthcare, for instance, AI was reportedly aiding surgical planning and creating realistic training scenarios for students.

Meanwhile, in local government, budget constraints and bureaucratic delays were seen as barriers to faster AI adoption.

Despite these challenges, most respondents agreed that AI would inevitably become an integral part of workplace operations in the coming years.

Barriers to AI Adoption

The report sheds light on key obstacles to AI adoption in the Welsh public sector:

1. Lack of Awareness and Training: Many respondents admitted limited understanding of AI tools and their potential. They emphasized the need for comprehensive education to empower workers in leveraging AI effectively and responsibly.
2. Technological Limitations: Outdated systems and limited access to modern devices were common concerns. One respondent noted that their team shared a single laptop, while others highlighted slow or fragmented systems that hindered productivity.
3. Disconnect in Design and Implementation: Some felt that AI systems were often developed without input from end-users, resulting in tools that failed to meet practical needs. The importance of involving frontline workers in the design and procurement process was underscored.

Ethical Concerns and Risks

Ethical dilemmas featured prominently in respondents’ feedback. Concerns included the potential for bias in AI-generated outputs, misuse of sensitive data, and the risk of technology being used for fraudulent purposes.

One respondent worried about AI’s role in eroding creativity, particularly in the arts, while another raised alarms about younger generations losing social skills due to over-reliance on AI.

In the workplace, fears of job losses were sector-dependent. Roles requiring human empathy and judgment, such as caregiving, were seen as less vulnerable, while administrative and retail positions faced greater risks of automation. Respondents also highlighted the need for regulations to prevent unintended consequences and ensure ethical AI usage.

Opportunities and Optimism

Despite these challenges, respondents recognised AI’s potential to transform workplaces for the better. They envisioned its use in workforce planning, operational forecasting, and improving collaboration.

For instance, one respondent proposed AI-powered tools for thematic analysis, while another saw potential in remote health and medicine support systems.

The overarching sentiment was that AI adoption should strike a balance between innovation and maintaining human oversight.

Ensuring inclusivity in AI training and fostering collaboration between policymakers, technologists, and workers will be critical as Wales navigates this technological shift.

This report lays a foundation for understanding AI’s role in the Welsh public sector, offering valuable insights for future strategies and policies.