Hong Kong’s Workforce Gets Cozy With AI

A new trend is emerging in Hong Kong’s work environment. Workers are showing a remarkable openness to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their professional lives, as revealed in the latest Qualtrics Employee Experience Trends Report. The report highlights that this is not just a fleeting change but a substantial shift in the paradigm of workplace technology.

Based on a comprehensive survey, which included over 1,000 employees from Hong Kong, Qualtrics found that 51% of local employees positively view using AI for various tasks. This percentage surpasses the global average of 42%. AI's involvement is particularly welcomed in tasks such as writing, acting as a personal assistant, and seeking internal support.

The acceptance of AI in Hong Kong's workplaces reflects the broader changes in employee experience (EX) post-pandemic. Engagement levels in Hong Kong remain at 56%, slightly lower than the global average of 68%. There's a slight increase in employees' intent to stay, rising to 61% from 60%, and a minor dip in well-being, now at 65%.

Dr. Cecelia Herbert, principal XM catalyst at Qualtrics XM Institute, emphasized the importance of this trend. "As economies focus on improving productivity, employee experience is one of the most important levers to prioritize in Hong Kong and across the region," she said.

The study also sheds light on the nuanced attitudes of employees toward AI. For example, 67% of employees are comfortable using AI for writing tasks. Still, their comfort diminishes when AI is involved in decision-making processes such as performance evaluations or hiring decisions.

Another interesting find is the preference for hybrid work schedules, with such employees reporting higher levels of well-being and satisfaction. This contrasts with the challenges frontline workers face, who report lower morale and satisfaction than non-frontline workers.

Historically, new hires showed higher levels of engagement in their first year. However, this "honeymoon phase" seems to have diminished, with new hires now showing lower engagement levels than more tenured employees. This highlights the critical importance of the initial months of a new job.

The study also touches on "passive listening," where organizations use tools like work emails, interview notes, and chat messages to improve employee experience. While employees are generally open to this, there is hesitancy regarding using social media posts for the same purpose.

As organizations and employees navigate this changing landscape, the focus remains on balancing technology's benefits with the human aspects of work, ensuring that the rise of AI becomes an ally rather than a challenge in the workplace.

Image credit: iStockphoto/YiuCheung