Growing interest in generative AI tools is exploding globally. However, it seems that women in generative AI are trailing behind in comparison to male colleagues at the time of using technology. This might have significant implications not only growth opportunities in individual but also for companies that create and fill the jobs for the future.
Technologists opine that generative AI has the potential to turning into whole new industry in itself. However, the survey has resulted that women haven’t been eager like men while adopting this hot technology.
What does the data say?
Research was conducted by Oliver Wyman Forum to know the patterns and behavioral attitude towards women in generative AI. Among the sample size of ~25,000 working adults, ~59% of male workers, who were between 18-65 years of age globally say that they tend to use generative AI tools in their day-to-day operations at least once a week.
On the other hand, ~51% of women provided this same view. Survey showed that such disparities continue to persist throughout different age groups and across 16 geographies.
While women in generative AI in itself is a matter of concern, there is some other news which appears to be even more disturbing. Gap is widest in youngest of workers. That is to say that ~71% of men ageing between ~18-24 years prefer to use generative AI weekly against ~59% of women.
What are the solutions to remove this disparity?
Now, let us discuss some solutions which can reduce this gap and encourage women in generative AI to use this ground-breaking technology.
With the help of provision of upskilling, developing shared vision with the workers, expansion of IT teams and meeting leaders of business organisation and Generation Z “superusers,” the companies should encourage more women in generative AI.
All of the employees believe in the importance of generative AI, even though they are not using it. Around ~98% of the individuals surveyed by Oliver Wyman Forum mentioned that they are required to upskill themselves in upcoming 5 years mainly because of AI disruption.
Most of the employees i.e., ~77% of white-collar workers, ~74% of the blue collars along with~ 71% of pink collars view that employer’s help should make them feel more comfortable and this will increase participation of women in generative AI.
But while the workers were eager to attend this training, business leaders expect that ~40% of workforce needs such sort of upskilling. That kind of disconnect results in anxiety for workers who wonder how generative AI can disrupt or eliminate job roles.
Secondly, business leaders are required to be out in open of this complex AI issue through explaining potential positive factors on work throughout their organization.
To increase women in generative AI, the organisations are required to create shared vision about future and should provide a dose of inspiration. This can be done through regularly emphasizing how generative AI has potential to supplement employee skills and make jobs interesting through elimination of monotonous tasks.
In a range of companies, AI strategy, budget and finance teams are being housed in IT department. This is the particular department where female representation remains low. IT function is of utmost importance to create and enable changes. Therefore, it is upon business leaders to be familiar with technology and enhance possibilities. This should help in broadening base of decisionmakers — and increase presence of women in generative AI.
It is important to grow ranks of women who cater to tech roles in which several AI decisions take place. There are companies which have significantly increased number of women working in technology positions with multi-year initiative focusing on retention with the help of addressing problems and concerns such as pay equity, access to critical healthcare, etc.
Generative AI creates opportunity for Gen Zers
Generative AI provides an opportunity for Gen Zers, and this particular lot tends to be more more familiar with this technology. Therefore, these people should be approached and they can teach older colleagues regarding its usage.
Oliver Wyman Forum research exhibited that several Gen Z people value community and require peer-to-peer mentorship programmes. As and when technology becomes embedded and front-face, businesses can showcase that diversity of voices and genders continue to support to lead this discussion.
BCG did a survey of ~6,500 employees (~50% men and ~50% women) which were based out in the US, U.K., India, Japan, and Germany. The job roles were ranging from junior individual contributors up to senior managers in the designations including engineering, IT, customer support, etc. However, employees in non-technical roles like HR, legal, and finance were surveyed.
The recent findings from BCG have made it clear that more the women grab and understand key emerging technologies and trends, the more they can adopt to this change and be aware on how to use it and fetch value out of it.
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