ChatGPT celebrates its two year anniversary: There’s…

This month marks the second anniversary of ChatGPT’s launch by OpenAI. Within just two months of its release, the software had reached over 100 million users, becoming the fastest-growing consumer application in history.

But two years later how are employees in Norwegian organisations using generative AI tools like ChatGPT?

PA Consulting surveyed 400 employees from large and medium-sized Norwegian enterprises, and the results indicate that generative AI has established a strong presence across a variety of industries. At the same time, there is significant untapped potential which will require continuous effort to realise.

Generative AI adoption: Fast but uneven

The survey reveals that, in just two years, 75% of Norwegian businesses now provide their employees with access to generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, CoPilot, or proprietary solutions. By comparison, it took 50 years for the telephone and 15 years for the internet to achieve similar levels of adoption.

However, offering technology is one thing; ensuring its adoption is another. A clear trend has emerged: over half (58%) of respondents use generative AI for daily tasks, and almost as many use it several times a week.

In general, employees have a positive view of AI. Fewer than one in ten express negative attitudes towards the technology. This positivity may stem from the perception of AI as a tool that boosts efficiency—90% of respondents believe AI saves them time in completing tasks.

At the same time, there are strong indications that the saturation point for AI use in Norwegian businesses has yet to be reached. More than 70% of employees expect its use to increase in the workplace over the next three years.

A third fear job losses

Despite most employees being optimistic about AI, significant concerns remain. One third (37%) expressed some level of fear about losing their jobs due to AI, a sentiment that’s particularly prevalent among younger employees and those with less formal education.

Additionally, 31% report that a lack of AI skills within their organisations is hindering broader adoption of the technology. This underscores the need for a robust approach to change management when implementing AI. Employee feedback, career planning, and upskilling should be integral to the rollout of AI solutions.

It is also worth noting that 47% view cybersecurity as a risk associated with AI usage, while 29% are concerned about data privacy breaches.These factors contribute to the complexity of working with AI compared to previous technologies.

A leadership priority

Realising the full potential of generative AI requires a well-thought-out and strategic approach. It is not enough to simply implement the technology; organisations must also address the challenges and concerns that come with it.

Employees need the necessary training and skills to use AI effectively and ethically. This requires investment in further support and clear career plans to enable employees to grow and develop alongside the technology.

Moreover, businesses must establish robust AI strategies that tackle ethical, organisational, and regulatory challenges. Only by developing a comprehensive approach will organisations be able to move from ideas in pilot projects to fully integrated solutions that deliver tangible value.

The future of AI in Norwegian businesses is promising, but its full potential can only be realised by senior management making it a priority.

Read the article in Norwegian.