Organisations are increasingly clear about what they want from AI; efficiency, productivity and better decision-making. However, the route from ambition to value remains uneven.

This is according to a survey by Lewis Silkin Belfast and MCS Group which gathered views from HR professionals and organisational leaders across multiple sectors across NI on the challenges, opportunities, and anticipated workforce changes arising from AI implementation over the next year.

The survey identified that 86% of respondents see increased efficiency and productivity as the greatest benefit of AI. Other benefits cited include improved decision making and better data insights (47%), improved workforce experience (44%) and cost reduction through automation (39%).

Whilst there are benefits, HR professionals also see barriers when it comes to AI. Most notably, 42% of respondents noted that the biggest barrier to AI adoption is not the technology itself, but in identifying right use cases for AI. More significantly, almost twice as many NI respondents said they were struggling to find AI use cases when compared Lewis Silkin’s Future@Work global survey which took place in February this year.

Other barriers cited include limited leadership knowledge or vision for AI/technology use (39%), cybersecurity and data privacy risks (38%), regulatory, compliance, or legal uncertainty (35%) and lack of workforce skills and training (35%).

Looking ahead, HR leaders are prioritising infrastructure and people. Half of respondents said that improving data quality and technology infrastructure was a priority action, and a third said they are looking at workforce training and re-skilling.

But when it comes to investment, there is a mild tilt toward investing in technology over workforce in Northern Ireland. Whilst around a fifth of respondents said they would spend the same on technology and workforce development, 11% said they would spend much more on technology, whilst 9% said they would spend much more on workforce development.

In saying this, NI employers take a more balanced approach to investing in tech as well as people in comparison to the wider global results. Whilst there was a slight lean towards investment in tech, this is much less pronounced than can be seen when compared globally.

Emma Grossmith, Managing Associate at Lewis Silkin said that the survey findings were useful in providing guidance to help businesses bridge the AI skills gap in Northern Ireland, which can be supported by Lewis Silkin’s AI literacy training.

“The survey indicates the NI workforce is transition, with organisations simultaneously recognising AI’s transformative potential whilst grappling with significant barriers to adoption. Most significantly, employers are having difficulties articulating use cases for AI. This ranks significantly higher as a barrier in Northern Ireland than we see globally. Employers know AI can improve their efficiency and productivity, but they are finding it a lot harder to identify the ‘how’ and the ‘where’.”

“It’s encouraging to see that businesses are willing to prioritise infrastructure and people over the coming year, with some businesses willing to make the appropriate investments to help support these transitions. Lewis Silkin’s AI literacy training is equipping leaders which the tools to use AI responsibly and effectively, better preparing workforces for the future.

“We understand that AI is everchanging and its capabilities continue to adapt and emerge, but it has huge potential for HR leaders.”

Ryan Calvert, Divisional Head of Recruitment at MCS Group, said, “One of the clearest messages from the survey is that organisations understand AI’s potential. Eighty-six percent of respondents identified increased efficiency and productivity as its biggest opportunity, with many also highlighting improved decision-making and a better employee experience. The appetite for AI is clearly there.

“What our research also shows, however, is that while AI is creating exciting opportunities, it’s raising equally important questions around hiring, skills, trust and how organisations adapt. Businesses are no longer asking whether they should embrace AI—they’re asking how to implement it responsibly and where it will create the greatest value.”

To learn more, or to find out more about Lewis Silkin’s AI literacy training, visit lewissilkin.com.

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