According to a recent report from Gallagher, approximately 71% of organizations fail to provide clear guidance on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace. Furthermore, 13% of communicators are uncertain about whether their organization utilizes AI and half harbour doubts about its impact.
Ben Reynolds, the global managing director of Gallagher’s communication consulting practice, remarked that the current scenario resembles the “Wild West” concerning AI adoption and implementation within organizations. He emphasized the potential benefits of having a structured AI plan in place, suggesting that AI technologies could help overcome barriers such as time constraints and financial limitations.
The report, based on a survey of over 2,300 communication and HR leaders across 56 countries, highlights that communicators embracing AI are more optimistic about its potential to reduce workloads and enhance communication quality. AI adopters are also more likely to believe in its positive impact.
While integrating AI, organizations are advised to prioritize fundamental aspects, including training opportunities and feedback mechanisms to assess return on investment (ROI).
However, despite the rise of AI tools, human connection remains indispensable. A significant majority of communicators (84%) rely on managers for communication, particularly regarding strategy, vision, values, culture, and organizational change. Nonetheless, a considerable portion of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with manager communication skills, identifying it as a barrier to success.
To address these challenges, companies are implementing various strategies such as on-demand learning, written resources, forums for managers, and one-to-one coaching to enhance communication skills.
Reynolds stressed the importance of evaluating managers’ communication skills, noting that those evaluated tend to perform better and are more likely to receive the necessary tools and resources.
Despite the critical role of internal communication in fostering company culture, only around half of employers believe their employees fully grasp the company’s strategy and purpose, as reported by Gallagher. This lack of clarity can lead to decreased engagement among employees.
Notably, many frontline workers feel disconnected from management communication, with a significant portion perceiving internal communications as hindering their job performance.
Moreover, according to a Checkr.com report, managers may overestimate the quality of their relationships and communication with their direct reports, highlighting discrepancies between managers’ perceptions and employees’ experiences.
