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AI Barometer reveals disparities in AI training and usage between employees and managers, with cautious optimism for future advancements.
In brief
- Belgian employees score slightly below the Western European average when it comes to using AI applications.
- Belgian employees feel inadequately trained in AI, despite managers believing otherwise.
- Nearly half of managerial employees in Belgium state that AI has already led to cost savings, increased profits, or both.
The development of artificial intelligence is in full swing. But is it already transforming the way Belgians work? Or are companies in Belgium still looking before they take the plunge? The AI Barometer by EY, which surveyed 4,741 employees across nine European countries, provides some revealing insights into the state of AI in Belgium.
AI use among Belgian employees is below the European average
In Belgium, 70.9% of respondents have used or are actively using AI applications like ChatGPT. While this figure is significant, it is slightly below the Western European average of 72.1%. Only neighboring countries Germany (67.3%), the Netherlands (66%), and Austria (68.9%) rank lower. The highest share of AI early-adopters is found in Spain (84%), followed by Switzerland (82%).
Among Belgian companies, more than half of the employees (57%) are permitted to use AI applications at work, though often with some restrictions. Notably, the percentage of employees allowed to use AI without restrictions in Belgium (27%) is significantly higher than in Germany (13%) and the Netherlands (18%).
A large majority of Belgian employees believe that AI will lead to fewer jobs, a sentiment echoed across Europe.
Concerns about job security
A significant concern among Belgian employees is the impact of AI on job security. A large majority (74%) believe that AI will lead to fewer jobs, a sentiment echoed across Europe, albeit with variations. For instance, 80% of Portuguese and 78% of Spaniards share this belief, compared to 64% of Dutch and 59% of Germans. Despite this concern, over half of Belgian employees (52%) do not think that AI will affect their jobs in any meaningful way, indicating a divide in perceptions about AI's impact.
Employees Want More Training on AI
A notable gap exists between the perceptions of managers and employees regarding AI training. While 56.1% of Belgian managers believe their employees have received adequate training to work effectively with AI, more than 80% of employees disagree, stating that the training provided is insufficient. This discrepancy highlights a critical area for improvement, as effective AI integration depends on well-trained personnel.
Belgian employees are proactive in addressing this gap, with 46% engaging in self-education about AI. However, this is still lower compared to countries like Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, where self-education rates are significantly higher. The report shows that 80% of employees feel inadequately trained to work with AI applications, with most preferring live training and workshops (43%), followed by online courses (38%).
AI already helps companies save costs and increase profits
Despite the challenges, AI is already yielding tangible benefits for Belgian companies. Nearly half of the managers (47%) report that AI has led to cost savings and increased profits, a figure higher than in the Netherlands (34%). This positive impact highlights the potential for AI to drive business performance when effectively implemented.
Belgian respondents are also optimistic about the future of AI, with 75% recognizing its potential for further development. This optimism varies across sectors, with financial services showing the highest enthusiasm, while public services are more reserved.
Despite AI contributing to cost savings and profits, significant efforts are still needed to align employee training with technological demands.
Navigating the AI landscape: the path forward for Belgium
The AI Barometer paints a nuanced picture of AI adoption in Belgium. While there is clear progress, with AI contributing to cost savings and profits, significant work remains in aligning employee training with the needs of the technology. As Belgian companies continue to navigate the AI landscape, the focus must shift to comprehensive training programs and fostering a deeper understanding of AI's potential and implications among all employees. By doing so, Belgium can position itself as a leader in AI adoption in Western Europe, capitalizing on the transformative power of this technology.
About the Research
The EY European AI Barometer consists of a quantitative analysis of 4,741 employees from Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland. The gender ratio of the respondents is 49-51, and 29% of the respondents are employees in management positions. The respondents are employed in more than 18 different economic sectors.
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Summary
The AI Barometer by EY reveals that while AI adoption in Belgium shows progress, with AI contributing to cost savings and profits, significant challenges remain. A major concern is job security, with 74% of employees fearing job losses due to AI. Additionally, there is a notable gap in perceptions of AI training adequacy between managers and employees.
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