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17 Apr AI at Work: Key Takeaways from McKinsey’s Superagency Study
McKinsey recently issued a report, “Superagency in the Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential,” exploring the idea that AI isn’t here to replace people but should be used to amplify their capabilities. The concept of “superagency” refers to the ability of individuals and teams to do far more with the help of AI than they could alone. However, after issuing a survey on the subject of AI in the workplace, statistics showed that realizing that promise will require a shift in mindset from leadership to organizations at large.
Our previous blog, “Balancing the Advantages of AI with the Need for Security,” talked about issues we all are experiencing around the emergence of AI and, although undoubtedly AI presents significant opportunities for improving efficiency and customer experience in every stage of business, it also brings up security, privacy, and fraud concerns. While companies pour resources into AI, very few consider themselves ready. Just 1% of organizations in the study claimed to be mature in their AI adoption. That’s despite a staggering 92% planning to boost their AI investments over the next three years. What’s holding them back isn’t technology; it’s leadership. In our recent meeting with the Imaging Network Group (INg), it was clear that executives are trying to navigate how to scale AI in a way that drives real value and empowers their workforce while balancing privacy and security.
Employees, meanwhile, are more ready than many leaders realize. The survey showed that three times more employees are already experimenting with AI tools and incorporating them into their day-to-day activities. Additionally, they are three times more likely than leaders to believe that AI will soon handle at least 30% of their work. Millennials, often in key managerial roles, are enthusiastic and tech-savvy, making them natural champions for AI adoption. However, not everyone is on board—41% of employees still express concern about AI’s impact, signaling the need for transparency, training, and thoughtful change management.
The speed AI provides is important, but so is security. As organizations begin implementing AI in different processes, concerns about accuracy, bias, and data protection are top of mind. Among the C-suite surveyed, 47% say their companies are developing AI tools too slowly, even though 69% started investing more than a year ago. While 92% surveyed said they plan to invest more in generative AI over the next three years, only 1% believe their investments have reached maturity.
However, as AI becomes more prevalent, it is certain that the ethical, legal, and operational challenges associated with its use also multiply. To ensure AI is used responsibly and effectively, a good first step is to develop a thorough policy for AI use. Our blog “Does Your Company Have a Policy for Use of AI?” covers why having an internal AI policy is important.
Interestingly, the report’s most important takeaway is that integrating AI is not just a technical issue; it’s a leadership challenge. To harness AI’s full potential, the survey indicated the need to align our teams and invest in training. Of the employees surveyed, 48% ranked training as the most important factor in the adoption of AI. With proper training, a company can become more innovative and productive when using technology. Ultimately, we just need to keep educating ourselves on how AI, when managed correctly, can be viewed as a partner, not just a tool for our businesses.
Access the full McKinsey report, “Superagency in the Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential,” by clicking here.