French employers are far from convinced by artificial intelligence, reveals Pôle emploi

French employers are still not very keen on artificial intelligence (AI). Only 31% of convinced already use it, 4% are preparing for it and 57% do not use it and do not intend to do so, according to a survey published Thursday, June 15 by the BVA institute for Pôle emploi. The survey was conducted among 3,000 companies with more than 10 employees.

The use of AI is particularly important in industry (half), finance (44%), commerce (40%) and agriculture (58%). On the other hand, less than 3 out of 10 companies in construction and in personal services use it. Among those who do not use it, nearly 8 out of 10 believe that their activity is incompatible with this technology. A third mention a lack of skills and one in five (18%) the reluctance of staff.

>> “Artificial intelligence should not be seen as an enemy”: these workers who use ChatGPT as a personal assistant without the knowledge of their employer

For their part, those who use AI are very positive about its impact. For 63% of employers, it reduces tedious tasks and 66% cite a positive effect on staff health and safety, while 58% point to a positive effect on customer relations. Two-thirds of employers also believe that it increases employee autonomy, but they are more divided on the impact on interpersonal relations (45% have a neutral opinion).

Tools capable of answering questions or carrying out diagnostics for decision support are the most widely used. Conversely, voice or visual recognition tools are the least used. More than half of employers using AI use it in accounting, communications and human resources departments. Next come production, sales and purchasing.