Recent SAP Research Highlights Diverse Perspectives on AI in the Workplace, Emphasizing the Need for AI Literacy

SAP surveyed over 4,000 managers and employees worldwide to understand how AI is changing workplace dynamics and HR practices, revealing a complex view of AI’s impact on work.

The Role of AI Literacy in Shaping Attitudes

The survey found that an individual's AI literacy—understanding and evaluating AI—greatly influences their views on AI. Employees with low AI literacy are significantly more likely to feel anxious or fearful about AI at work, whereas those with high literacy are much more optimistic. Nearly 70% of high

-literacy individuals see AI as beneficial, compared to only 29% of those with low literacy. Those with greater AI knowledge also tend to view AI’s role in personnel decisions, like performance reviews and promotions, more favorably.

AI and Performance Evaluations: More than half of respondents (55%) think employees who use AI should receive better performance reviews, with this view higher (64%) among AI-literate employees. AI’s Impact on Compensation: While 44% of low-literacy employees think AI users should earn less, nearly half of those with high literacy support equal pay regardless of AI use.Promotion Considerations: About 45% of respondents, especially those with higher AI literacy, believe AI use shouldn’t affect promotion chances.

Acceptance of AI in Hiring

The survey also shows that many employees favor AI in hiring, seeing it as a tool for fairer and more efficient recruitment. A positive reaction to AI in hiring practices ranged from 45% to 57% among the general workforce, increasing to 66%-75% among highly AI-literate individuals. Organizations that use AI for hiring are perceived as forward-thinking, potentially attracting talent with AI expertise.

Boosting AI Literacy to Support Adoption

The findings emphasize the need for organizations to foster AI literacy to ease adoption and optimize AI benefits. Recommended strategies include:

• Hands-on Experience: Allow employees to experiment with AI tools.

• Training and Resources: Offer structured training to build foundational AI knowledge.

• Clear Communication: Explain how new AI tools will impact workflows.

• Highlight Successes: Share AI success stories within teams.

• Peer Learning: Leverage highly AI-literate employees to mentor others.

• Growth Mindset: Encourage a learning-focused culture to support comfort and curiosity with AI.

As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, organizations investing in AI literacy can help ensure employees are prepared to maximize the advantages of this evolving technology.