A majority of US workers (89%) believe adopting emerging technologies is beneficial for their company, but more than half (59%) say their senior leadership is slow to embrace potentially game-changing technologies, according to new data released by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).
The Emerging Tech at Work Survey asked more than 1,000 US employees about their familiarity with and expected impact of 12 emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR), digital twin, edge and quantum computing, biometrics, among others — revealing crucial insights for business leaders considering the implementation of new technologies and navigating barriers to adoption.
Employees are enthusiastic about the promise of new technologies, but 52% say that technologies are outdated by the time their company does implement them. In addition, there is a generational divide in adoption and expectations. Gen Z and millennial employees are more likely than other generations of employees to say they currently use generative AI to draft emails (24% for Gen Z and 27% for millennial vs. 12% for Gen X and 6% for baby boomers) and are also more likely to say senior leadership at their company do not see the value of adopting emerging technology (58% for Gen Z and 53% for millennial vs. 42% for Gen X and 42% for baby boomers).
“Today’s workforce is anxiously awaiting tomorrow’s digital capabilities,” said Faisal Alam, EY Americas Consulting Emerging Technology Leader. “Though leaders acknowledge how new technologies can transform their business, they need to also be aware of employee perceptions around the slow pace of adoption, and the barriers and risks that could undermine efforts.”
Employee excitement for emerging technologies
Employees had overwhelmingly positive reactions about how emerging technologies could impact their role. For example, among respondents familiar with each technology, a vast majority say…
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