Interesting findings on the attitude of Greek employees and employers towards AI, but also on the degree of its integration by Greek companies, emerge from additional questions asked as part of the quarterly Employment Outlook Survey, according to ManpowerGroup. Based on the survey, which took into account the responses of 525 employers in Greece, Greek companies lag behind in the integration of AI, as the percentage of companies surveyed in Greece that have already adopted AI, including creative and interactive AI (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Dalle), is 35%, compared to 48% globally.
The “protagonist” is the IT sector
In Greece, 59% of IT employers have fully integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their business operations. This is followed by the Communication Services sector (50%). Further behind in adopting AI technologies is the Healthcare and Life Sciences sector (31%), as well as Consumer Goods and Services (30%). A similar picture is observed globally, with the IT (63%) and Communication Services (58%) sectors rapidly adopting AI technologies, followed by Consumer Goods (42%) and Healthcare (40%).
Companies in Greece with 250-999 employees are most open to integrating IT and its tools into their operations, with a rate of 41%. This is followed by companies with 1,000-4,999 employees (38%) and medium-sized companies (36%).
The attitude of Greek workers
In Greece, employees’ attitudes towards the impact of AI on their work are still cautious, according to the ManpowerGroup survey findings. The most positive are senior managers (64%), middle managers or supervisors (58%) and office workers (63%). The majority of factory and “frontline” workers (47%) are less optimistic.
A higher percentage of employees who have a positive attitude is reflected in the Finance and Real Estate sector at the highest level, with 75% of senior leadership stating a positive attitude towards AI and ML applications. Middle managers in the Transportation and Supply Chain sector are also optimistic (69%), while 68% of office workers and professionals in the Consumer Goods and Services sector appear to have no qualms about IT.
The challenges in adopting artificial intelligence
The popularity of Artificial Intelligence comes with challenges: Almost all organizations in Greece (96%) face challenges in its adoption. The challenges are most often related to high investment costs (37%), lack of AI skills among employees (33%), privacy and regulatory issues (31%), and lack of suitable AI tools and platforms (28%).
Employers in Greece (70%) report that AI will have a positive impact on the overall performance of their businesses. This perception is particularly prevalent in the IT (75%), Finance and Real Estate (75%) sectors. They are also optimistic that AI technologies will help in upskilling and reskilling existing employees (66%) and providing necessary training (62%).
The expected impact on the number of employees by sector
While globally, more than half of companies (55%) expect to see an increase in their workforce due to AI and ML in the next two years, in Greece this percentage is significantly lower (41%). Both globally and in Greece, almost 1 in 4 (24% for employers worldwide and 25% for employers in Greece) believe that there will be “no impact”. Specifically, the Consumer Goods and Services (49%), Information Technology (48%) and Energy and Utilities (47%) sectors expect an increase in their workforce.
The challenges of the “next generation” of workers
Employers in Greece identify challenges faced by employees (>10 years in HR). Among other things, 29% report that technological expectations in the workplace (e.g. AI) concern young employees. First are salary expectations (40%), followed by career development (36%) and expectations on work-life balance (34%).
Factors that increase engagement and productivity among younger workers
According to employers’ responses in Greece to the question “Which of the following has been most effective in increasing the engagement and productivity of younger workers (>10 years of employment) in your HR?”, it appears that improved technological tools (73%) are the most effective strategy for engaging the new generation of workers, followed by an emphasis on general well-being (67%).
Employers take into account that strengthening technological infrastructure and concern for employee well-being are not only a necessary investment, but also a strategy that leads to better results and greater satisfaction in the work environment.
As ManpowerGroup points out, “By 2030, AI will shape the global workforce, establishing more democratic decision-making processes and helping workers and employers acquire new skills in using AI tools. Companies will leverage AI to objectively assess performance through ‘smart’ scanners and wearables, with transparency and trust essential. TN will identify skills gaps and recommend upskilling and reskilling programs. Successful AI integration will require training, leadership buy-in, and compliance with new privacy laws. It suggests developing a human-first AI strategy, starting with pilot programs like chatbots and working with technology vendors and consultants. Scaling up skills initiatives, managing data legally and ethically, and addressing issues like unconscious bias through an ‘AI Council’ are key.”