Overall Hiring Projected To Increase Because of AI

In spite of uncertainty around the potential impacts AI on jobs, 64% percent of C-Suite executives report that the rise in AI has expanded their future hiring plans, according to a recent study by Upwork. The study found that 49% of the survey’s respondents said they will hire more freelancers, while another 49% said the same for full-time workers.

Upwork said this uptick can be attributed to a renewed need for both new hires and outside specialists to help companies adapt to AI technology.

Remote-first as well as small- and medium-size businesses are leading the adoption of generative AI. The survey found that 68% of full-time remote companies are embracing generative AI compared to 53% of companies whose employees work full-time in the office. Meanwhile, 62% of midsize companies, and 56% of small companies, said they are leveraging generative AI, compared to 41% for larger companies .

Generational Disconnect              

The study also found that the majority of business leaders – around 59% — are personally using generative AI solutions, including ChatGPT.

Still, the survey found a disconnect between some lower-tiered leaders and C-Suite executives. Upwork said 73% of C-Suite respondents embrace AI, where just about half of vice presidents, directors and senior managers agreed. Upwork believes this results from concerns about early adoption and the potential risks associated with the technology or ROI.

“The early findings from our study reveal that embracing generative AI throughout all levels of an organization will be imperative,” said Kelly Monahan, managing director at the Upwork Research Institute. “However, our survey shows that there is currently a disconnect between C-Suite executives and their teams and this is likely due to a lack of training and understanding of how this technology will impact work.”

“Businesses that want to bridge this gap should roll out a strategy that includes communication around the expectations and outcomes for their workforce, clear policies, addressing fear and uncertainty and, perhaps most importantly, adopting a learning orientation,” she said.

By Gracie Wirick

Gracie Wirick is a writer and editor at RecruitingDaily and the HCM Technology report. A Purdue graduate with degrees in Professional Writing and Communication. She is a lover of classics and literature with an unfortunate penchant for the Oxford comma.