A recent survey conducted by Veritas Technologies, a leading data management firm, and reported in The Independent, highlights the pressing need for clear guidelines regarding the use of generative AI in workplaces. The absence of such guidelines poses significant risks, potentially compromising sensitive company information.

According to the survey findings, over 80% of office employees are calling for the establishment of explicit guidelines, policies, and training programs for the use of generative AI in their workplaces. Of these employees, 70% emphasise the importance of properly harnessing AI tools, while 51% believe these measures would help mitigate associated risks. Additionally, 30% see these guidelines as fostering a fair and equitable work environment. However, despite these demands, only 43% of employers have implemented formal guidelines for AI use.

Disturbingly, the survey reveals that 58% of employees admit to inputting sensitive information—including customer details, employee data, and financial records—into generative AI tools. Veritas Technologies warns that many of these employees may not fully grasp the potential risks of data privacy breaches and information leaks associated with such actions.

Nearly half of the workers advocate for AI users to share knowledge and educate their peers to promote fairness and equity.

Andy Ng, Vice President and Managing Director for the Asia South and Pacific region at Veritas, underscores the significance of establishing guidelines to avoid regulatory compliance violations. He stresses the importance of developing, implementing, and communicating clear policies regarding the use of generative AI in workplaces. Ng also recommends leveraging data compliance tools and government regulations to enforce these measures effectively.

Furthermore, the survey highlights disparities within workplaces, with 56% of respondents acknowledging that colleagues using generative AI may gain an unfair advantage over those who do not. Nearly half of the workers advocate for AI users to share knowledge and educate their peers to promote fairness and equity.

The survey, which involved 11,500 office workers across 11 countries worldwide, including 500 respondents from Singapore, underscores the global significance of establishing robust guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI in the workplace.