Latest news with #MaryConnaughton
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Workplaces warned over low readiness for managing AI
Workplaces need to improve their standard of engagement with workers on artificial intelligence (AI), according to CIPD, the professional body for the HR industry. The annual HR Practices in Ireland study from CIPD and the Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick shows that more than half of Irish workplaces have not provided a clear plan on using AI to employees, while two thirds have not provided training on the topic. Details of the research have been released to coincide with CIPD in Ireland's annual conference which takes place in Dublin today. The transformative power of AI on the workplace will be among the issues discussed at the event. Speaking ahead of the event, Director of CIPD in Ireland Mary Connaughton said workplaces need to improve their standard of engagement with workers on AI. "The survey shows between 56% and 69% have no plans to address these issues in their organisations," Ms Connaughton said. "These figures are a concern, revealing a lack of strategy or attention on AI use in workplaces," she added. The research also showed employers in Ireland see having an inclusive culture as central to attracting and retaining talent. Two thirds of respondents said offering features such as flexible and remote working help to contribute to an inclusive workplace. The CIPD conducted the survey of members and HR professionals in Ireland in November 2024.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Lack of AI strategies by most companies leaves employees confused, report finds
A study to be published today by HR consultancy CIPD reveals 'low readiness' in terms of management of the rapidly advancing technology at work. It shows that 58pc of Irish workplaces have not provided a clear plan on using AI to employees. An even higher portion, 67pc, have not given any training on the topic. The figures from the CIPD study that was undertaken with the Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick will be discussed at CIPD Ireland's annual conference in Dublin today. Mary Connaughton, director of CIPD in Ireland, said workplaces need to improve their standard of engagement with workers on AI. 'The survey shows between 56pc and 69pc have no plans to address these issues in their organisations,' she said. She added that the figures reveal a lack of strategy or attention on AI use in workplaces. 'The low level of readiness around AI policies and usage must be addressed,' Ms Connaughton said. She said AI is going to have an ever greater role in our working lives and it is vital that employers understand it and use it correctly, while protecting business and worker data. Ms Connaughton urged any workplace that hasn't put an AI policy in place to prioritise it. ADVERTISEMENT Just 11pc of HR professionals said a clear plan on AI use had been communicated to employees. The same portion think their leadership team is fully equipped to lead in a digitalised, AI world. The report shows that just over one in five workplaces plan to provide clear guidance on using AI at work this year. A total of 60pc of respondents said they believed productivity was significantly or 'somewhat' increased due to AI, while 39pc said there was no change. Among respondents who have programmes to promote DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), 78pc have inclusive recruitment, retention or promotion strategies. A total of 77pc offer remote and flexible working, while 60pc provide training and guidance for line managers and 45pc invest in raising awareness of diversity. Just 16pc said a diversity officer had been appointed.
