Even though the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing at a fast pace, 71% of organizations do not provide internal communicators guidance on when, where or how to use the technology, according to Gallagher’s 2023/24 State of the Sector report. Furthermore, the study, which drew insights from more than 2,300 communication and HR leaders across 56 countries, found that 1 in 10 communicators (13%) were unsure if their organization was using AI.
“For many organizations, it’s the Wild West with regard to how they are adopting and implementing AI,” said Ben Reynolds, Global Managing Director of Gallagher’s Communication Consulting Practice. “Because so few organizations have an AI plan, we can connect the dots to better understand why half of the respondents (50%) are skeptical or even fearful about the impact of AI. That said, with an AI plan in place, the technologies may help communicators overcome what they’ve identified as two of the top three barriers in 2024, which are the lack of time and lack of financial resources.”
The State of the Sector report found communicators who are using AI are three times more likely to believe the technology will reduce workloads. AI adopters were also 20% more likely to believe it will improve the quality of communications. While AI can drive efficiencies and unlock new ways to communicate, Gallagher experts recommend organizations focus on getting the basics right, as well as seeking out training opportunities and feedback mechanisms to get the best return on investment.
The Revamped Role of People Manager Communicators
New technologies designed to improve efficiencies have not replaced the importance of human connections. In fact, more than 8 of 10 communicators (84%) said they rely on managers for communication to some degree. The topics managers most regularly communicate on include strategy, vision and purpose; values, behaviors and culture; and organizational change integration or M&A activities.
That…
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