AI in the Workplace: The Latest Slack Workforce Index Finds

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Artificial intelligence continues to gain ground in Italy, where 32% of workers already use it to perform daily tasks and 43% enthusiastically welcome the idea that this technology could replace some activities. However, despite widespread optimism, the new Slack Workforce Index reveals a more complex reality, made up of cultural and organizational barriers that are holding back the adoption of AI, both in Italy and globally.

According to the report, conducted on an international chinese overseas british database scale, AI adoption rates have seen marginal growth in the last three months, going from 32% to 36%. In Italy , the picture is even more nuanced: almost half of workers (46%) feel uncomfortable revealing to superiors that they use AI tools, fearing negative judgments that range from being perceived as incompetent or lazy, to suspicions of dishonesty. This climate of reticence is fueled by a lack of adequate training on the part of companies, which do not always provide the tools and support needed to effectively integrate AI into work dynamics.

A $4.4 Trillion Opportunity

Despite the challenges, the economic potential of AI is undeniable. McKinsey studies estimate that AI could increase global revenues by up to $4.4 trillion annually, while Salesforce research shows that sales teams using AI tools are 1.3 times more likely to increase revenues than those who do not. However, to fully reap these benefits, companies must overcome organizational inertia and invest not only in training, but also in fostering a culture of openness and experimentation.

Christina Janzer , SVP of Research and Analytics at Slack, emphasizes the importance of a structured approach: “Today, too much of the burden of understanding and using AI falls on workers. It is essential that companies invest not only in training, but also in a climate of openness and experimentation. The introduction of tools like AI Agents – with clearly defined roles and functions – can help reduce the ambiguity and anxiety related to the use of AI at work” .