Senior managers not ready for AI transition, says study

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development country director Alison Hodgson. 

Fewer than one in five organisations believe their senior managers are ready for the AI transition, a study published on Wednesday showed, with Irish workplaces struggling to keep up with the rapid rise of AI.

Only 19% of organisations reporting that bosses are fully equipped to lead in an AI-driven environment, according to the annual HR Practices in Ireland study from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) carried out in conjunction with the Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick. Only 44% of respondents said they have clear guidance on AI use at work, while just one third (33%) said they have provided employees with AI training.

More than two thirds (67%) of HR professionals identified AI skills as their top professional development priority.  "Organisations must ensure employees are supported through ongoing training and upskilling so that the benefits of new technology can be shared across the workforce," said CIPD country director Alison Hodgson. 

The survey highlighted wider challenges facing employers, with 91% of organisations reporting skills shortages, 75% citing cost-of-living pressures, and 73% saying the housing crisis is making recruitment more difficult.

Support for flexible working remains strong with 73% of respondents saying remote and flexible working improves productivity.

Ms Hodgson said hybrid working is now here to stay, “Hybrid working is firmly embedded in working life for many organisations and our research continues to show strong benefits around productivity, wellbeing, retention and talent attraction. However, organisations also recognised that managers need continued support and development to adapt successfully to new ways of working and leading teams.”