Less than half of Canadians use AI at work: study

A new AI study from Growclass and Angus Reid shows that less than half (42 per cent) of Canadians are using AI in their workplace, with only 12 per cent of workers receiving proper formal training.

According to the study, a significant number of people who use AI in their work lack confidence; 33 out of the 42 per cent state that they are confident in their ability to use the tools effectively. As Growclass points out, the gap represents the widespread adoption of AI without the necessary training or support.

The study notes that most Canadians (68 per cent) would be interested in AI training if their employer offered it, with 46 per cent believing that their employer should be responsible. However, 20 per cent believe that it should be their own responsibility, 7 per cent believe the education systems should teach it, and 4 per cent believe that the government should offer programs for it.

The information indicates that interest in AI training varies significantly by region. According to the study, residents in Ontario and Quebec show the highest demand, with 71 per cent saying they would participate in employer-offered AI training, while residents in Atlantic Canada were the least responsive to AI training, with 56 per cent saying they would participate.

In terms of jobs, human resources (HR) uses AI the most over any other sector (81 per cent), and those who have received the most training (33 per cent). Interestingly, HR is also the most concerned (62 per cent) about being replaced within the next five years. Meanwhile, people working in non-profit are the most confident in using AI at work (92 per cent), followed by communications/marketing professionals (90 per cent), and professionals within digital technologies (85 per cent).

Growclass conducted the survey between August 6 and 11 using a representative sample of 1,012 online, adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.

With this study, Growclass has also announced the launch of its AI Marketing and Strategy Certificate, a six-week-long program designed to equip marketing professionals with the necessary skills and confidence to responsibly integrate AI into their work.