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1、2024 ReportThe Impact of Technology on the WorkplaceContents:ForewordResearch MethodologyHow Technology Is Helping Businesses Grow?How Technology Is Changing Our Working Environment?How Technology Is Affecting Business Security?How Technology Is Changing Job Roles?Looking Ahead to 2024-Tech.co Manag

2、ing Editor,Jennifer McIlveenIts been a little over a year since the global tech landscape witnessed a groundbreaking shift with the introduction of ChatGPT.The subsequent surge of AI chatbots-including Bard,Claude,and ChatGPT itself-has made waves in the tech world and firmly planted technology at t

3、he forefront of business leaders minds,as well as in the considerations of their customers and clients,when it comes to reviewing spending and performance.As we step into 2024 amid economic uncertainties,the need for organizations to understand how emerging and established technologies could influen

4、ce their employees,competitiveness,and overall performance has never been more critical.How is AI changing and challenging job roles?Is it having the impact that the media attention suggests it might be?Are there other technologies affecting work processes,from hiring to crisis management,to a great

5、er extent?What factors and technologies predict improvements in productivity,business growth,and job satisfaction?What tools and skills can businesses invest in to prepare themselves for the coming year?If youre in the throes of planning the year ahead for your team,this ones for you.Tech.cos inaugu

6、ral report covering the impact of technology on the workplace provides an insight into these questions and more.Based on a comprehensive survey of over 1000 US-based business leaders,we will unravel the multifaceted influence of technology on the workplace of today.Beyond the impact of artificial in

7、telligence(AI),well delve into remote working trends,the challenges posed by data breaches,and reactions to the concept of a four-day workweek,among other key considerations dominating the minds of business leaders today.JENNIFER MCILVEENResearch MethodologyTo inform how technology is impacting the

8、workplace in 2024,Tech.co surveyed a large sample of senior leadership professionals from businesses based in the United States.Senior leadership professionals had job titles ranging from manager to director.We surveyed companies with 10 or more employees to ensure that our data captured the experie

9、nces and perspectives of individuals holding key leadership roles within established organizations.To ensure an impartial and unbiased sample,this reports data was gathered through a survey with participants selected via a third-party panel provider,in October 2023.To guarantee an accurate reflectio

10、n of US businesses,a total of 1047 responses were obtained at a confidence level of 99.9%.How Is Technology Helping Businesses Grow?How Is Technology Helping Businesses Grow?Technology has always been pivotal for business growth,whether its by allowing companies to reach customers in new and improve

11、d ways,or unlocking new possibilities for products and services that inspire demand.Today,a key way businesses use technology to enable growth is through increasing team connectivity by using communication and collaboration tools like video conferencing and messaging.While these kinds of tools arent

12、 completely new,they are ever developing.In fact,we found them to be among the most anticipated business technologies of 2024.Generative AI tools are another growing area,particularly for data analysis and writing tasks.That said,the use of AI is not as widespread as news coverage might suggest:67%o

13、f respondents told us AI is never used or used to a limited extent in their businesses.When it comes to the tech innovations that businesses anticipate boosting their organizations performance in 2024 the most,some of our key findings include:Communication and collaboration tools are the most import

14、ant tech innovations for business growth,cited by 46%and 34%of respondents as having a high or very high effect on their operation in 2024.80%of businesses with the most collaboration tools also reported the highest organization-wide productivity levels.5G and the Internet of Things(IoT)are also amo

15、ng the most impactful technologies of 2024.AI adaptation is slow:Two out of every three respondents(67%)say that AI tools are not used at all(34%)or to a limited extent(33%)within their organizations.Just 4%of respondents say AI tools are“fully integrated”within their organization.But AI is helpful:

16、59%of those who use AI within their own role say that it has improved job satisfaction,while 30%report a significant or substantial impact on their work processes.The simple tools are the most impactful:communication and collaboration tools emerged as the most important tech innovations for 2024Comm

17、unication and collaboration tools(such as Zoom,Slack,and )ranked at the top of our list as the most important tech innovations for business growth.46%of survey respondents predicted communication technology would have a high or very high effect on their business in the upcoming year,while 34%said th

18、e same of online collaboration technology.To what extent will the following tech innovations impact your organizations performance in 2024?Communication and collaboration tools also ranked among the least likely tools to be judged as having a minimal anticipated impact.Just 11%of respondents said co

19、mmunication technology would have a“very low effect”on their organization in 2024,and only 16%said online collaboration tools would have a“very low impact”during the year.Only one other area of technological impact rivaled the weight that business leaders gave to communication and collaboration:cybe

20、rsecurity.40%of business leaders predicted that cybersecurity threats would have a high or very high impact on their performance in 2024.It goes without saying then that with the ever-present risk of cyberattacks,the security of communication and collaboration tools is a key factor to consider when

21、it comes to choosing the right ones for your business growth,as is the case for all technologies employed to spur on company expansion.Beyond the common,foundational business tools,other exciting or highly-anticipated innovations on the list of technology being employed to support business growth in

22、clude robotic process automation,blockchain tools,and quantum computing.However,all three ranked near the bottom when it came to business estimations of their importance in 2024.Unlike those technologies,communication and collaboration platforms are easy to understand and have a cross-industry appea

23、l.Every operation needs to ensure its workers are communicating effectively and for good reason.As our survey corroborated,organizations with more tools will report higher levels of productivity.Businesses with the fewest collaboration tools were also the least likely to self-report high organizatio

24、n-wide productivity levels,with just 38%of those with zero collaboration tools claiming high organizational productivity.Self-reported productivity levels kept rising as companies added collaborative tools,too.68%of companies with six tools reported high productivity,an amount surpassed only by comp

25、anies with seven tools,of which 80%reported the same.The trend is clear and can be attributed to the many benefits collaboration tools usher in,from tracking large amounts of work across multiple teams and enabling colleagues to easily speak to one another to logging all the records of communication

26、 for future reference.5G and Internet of Things are among the top most important tech innovations for 2024Other significant tech developments that business leaders anticipate will impact their operations in 2024 include 5G and the Internet of Things(IoT).The IoT refers to a collective network of int

27、ernet-connected devices,from smart fridges to office building sensors.If used by customers or clients,these devices can gather anonymized data to help a company fine-tune its service plans to deliver the needed features at fair prices.5G the newest and best generation of cellular network technology

28、is delivering faster connections and higher storage capacity,making all this data collection possible.Our research shows that collecting and transmitting data is increasingly important for modern organizations.32%of respondents stated that the IoT would have a high effect on their organizations perf

29、ormance in 2024,while 35%of respondents expect the same of 5G.AI is extremely helpful but not everyone knows it yet In 1995,information technology firm Gartner created the“hype cycle,”a concept that charts the phases that emerging technologies pass through before achieving widespread adoption.After

30、a“technology trigger”launches the process,the next step is the“peak of inflated expectations,”which marks the biggest and brightest round of publicity that this new technology will ever receive.During this period,endless news stories praise(and occasionally condemn)the latest buzzy tech concept,all

31、while actual businesses themselves underinvest.Eventually,the bubble pops and the hype collapses before it eventually rises to reach a plateau of moderate but sustainable attention.Tech.cos Impact of Tech on the Workplace Report 2024 indicates that AI business tools remain at the“peak”stage of this

32、hype cycle.Despite the prominence of generative AI in tech news across 2023,many business leaders remain unconvinced that their organization requires them.A significant amount of senior leadership professionals 42%say they are indifferent towards AI.Furthermore,over a quarter of them(27%)have not ta

33、ken steps to gain any personal experience with firsthand use of the technology.This slow adoption of AI in some sectors extends across entire businesses,not just their leadership.Two out of every three respondents(67%)say that AI tools are not used at all(34%)or to a limited extent(33%)within their

34、organizations.In contrast,just 21%say they use AI tools a moderate amount,while even fewer rely on AI significantly.Just 7%claim“extensive”use and.Overall,businesses rated AI merely the 6th most important tech innovation for 2024,behind communication and collaborative tools,for example.The largest c

35、ontingent of leaders say they are either neutral(42%)regarding the use of AI tools in the workplace,approve of them(29%),or strongly approve(12%),with just 10%disapproving and 7%strongly disapproving.Business leaders are not necessarily opposed to AI just because their businesses have yet to integra

36、te it with their workflows.In some cases,they lack a clear-cut or industry-specific business case for AI use,while in others they are waiting on more data to support a recommendation,or they simply see no upside to rocking the boat within their company.Nevertheless,there is evidence to suggest that

37、the nascent technology is being underrated by those not aware of what it is capable of.4%say AI tools are“fully integrated”within their organizationsOrganizations and professionals who use AI see overwhelmingly positive benefitsBusinesses havent been adopting AI tools as rapidly as the hype would su

38、ggest.However,the evidence says that they should be.Our research found that organizations that use AI tend to report higher levels of productivity productivity that increases in correlation with those organizations deepening investments in AI tools.In addition to increased productivity,59%of those w

39、ho use AI within their own role say that it has improved their job satisfaction.Another 30%said its had a significant or substantial impact on their work processes.%of respondents who reported high organizational productivity split by their organizations level of AI useKey AI use casesThe range of t

40、asks that businesses find AI most useful for is broad,but two tasks in particular rose to the top in our research:Data analysis and writing tasks.Data analysis is the biggest,with 32%of companies reporting AI use for this chore within their organization,while AI use for general writing tasks,from em

41、ails to reports,is common at 26%of companies.These tasks were found to be head and shoulders above other AI uses,with the next six highest use cases all clocking in at between 19%and 21%of companies.Its also worth noting the tasks that organizations were least likely to reach for the AI button when

42、tackling legal research and healthcare diagnostics.Both of these were at the bottom,with just 6%and 10%of companies using AI for them,respectively.This isnt surprising,given the sensitive nature of data within the legal and healthcare industries.However,other uncommon uses of AI include supply chain

43、 optimization(10%)and predictive maintenance for fixed assets(11%)two tasks that many software providers in relevant industries have been promoting AI solutions for in recent years.Our data shows that companies are starting to respond but have yet to fully engage with AI tools to help streamline sup

44、ply chains and maintenance needs.Organizational AI usesTop AI toolsUnsurprisingly,the most well-known generative AI platform is also the most commonly used,as OpenAIs ChatGPT has the lions share of users with a massive 65%.A noteworthy second place is Googles Bard,with 48%of respondents saying Of co

45、urse,when it comes to the usage of and feedback on AI,companies are not all talking about the same AI tool.So,which is most commonly used?they use it,while Bing AI Chat was used by 21%.Runners-up include Claude AI(10%)and Jasper Chat(9%).Googles entry into the big-tech AI arms race certainly isnt fa

46、lling on its face,but for most users,AI might as well be synonymous with ChatGPT.How Is Technology Changing Our Working Environment?How Is Technology Changing Our Working Environment?The world of work is constantly evolving.Since Covid-19 threw out the playbook that companies have followed for decad

47、es,flexible working arrangements have become more common than ever,enabled by the use of smart business technology.Now the dust of the pandemic has settled,many business owners need to choose between reverting back to rigid policies,or embracing flexible solutions.With cries for a healthier work-lif

48、e balance reaching fever pitch,Gen Z movements like and have become harder to ignore.As businesses continue to lean on collaborative software and AI tools like ChatGPT,our research shows that the use of technology is shaping decisions about our working environment.This is evident when it comes to mo

49、vements like remote working and the campaign for the 4-day workweek.Alongside surveying business owners,we spoke to rank-and-file employees to learn how shifting preferences could impact the employment landscape in 2024.Technology use remains high for all businesses,with 97%of fully remote teams ben

50、efiting from collaborative tools,compared to 87%of fully in-person offices.Remote teams face fewer recruitment roadblocks,with 44%of fully remote businesses finding it easy to recruit staff,compared to 32%of businesses with mandatory in-office policies.Fully and partially remote businesses overwhelm

51、ingly reported higher levels of output than those who expect workers to be in five days a week.Employees tend to come into the office more than they are required to,with 62%of employees making the commute one day more than is expected of them.42%of business owners are considering implementing a 4-da

52、y workweek at their organization,and 17%are already setting the wheels in motion.90%of businesses with AI experience are open to introducing a 4-day workweek,compared to only 41%of businesses who have never used the technology.Despite recent technology breakthroughs,email and traditional landlines a

53、re still far more popular than team messaging tools,and VoIP phones.Key findings include:Remote working is largely unaffected by the use of technologyDue to the necessity of remote work during the worldwide pandemic,business communication tools like online whiteboards and web conferencing software h

54、ave become staples in most modern businesses.However,our research shows that in 2024,the use of this technology has little correlation with a businesss decision to work remotely.In fact,the use of this kind of technology was strikingly similar across most businesses we surveyed,irrespective of wheth

55、er they managed remote,hybrid,or in-person teams.97%of fully remote teams benefited from some form of collaborative tool compared to 94%of hybrid firms that expect workers in two to four days a week,and 87%of fully in-person offices.These findings challenge popular assertions that the rise of these

56、tools would usher in a new age of remote working.However,they also indicate that the infrastructure is already there for businesses that want to reap the rewards of flexible working,of which there are many.Collaboration tool utility by organizations of different remote work policiesAs weve previousl

57、y reported on Tech.co,remote and hybrid work can unlock core benefits for employees-from lowering levels of stress and anxiety to having a positive impact on an individuals physical health.Flexible workplace schedules are favored even more by women and workers from minority backgrounds,which is an i

58、mportant consideration for employers looking to build more inclusive and equitable workplaces.But the advantages of flexible working arent limited to employees.As the hiring climate continues to cool in the US,offering the perk of remote and hybrid working has proven to be an effective way for compa

59、nies to attract top talent,with 44%of fully remote businesses finding it easy to recruit staff when compared to only 32%of businesses requiring workers into the office five days a week.44%7%46%29%31%10%57%32%10%56%10%62%Employees are able to work fully remotelyRecruiting is EasyNeutralRecruiting is

60、challengingAs applicants continue to vote with their feet by favoring companies with policies that align with their desires,many companies with rigid 5-day in-person policies are no longer getting a look in.This was the case for many professionals we spoke to,including a Marketing and Communications

61、 Manager at Imperial College London who decided they would never choose to return to an office full time,especially after sampling the benefits of remote and hybrid working.I think there are many benefits to remote working,both in terms of mental health and quality of work.I would not consider a job

62、 that required me to be in the office all five days.-A Marketing Manager at Imperial College LondonWhile its still possible to draw in top talent with rigid workplace policies,these findings should be a wake-up call for companies serious about retaining their competitive advantage in the job market.

63、But making your company more desirable to the hiring pool isnt the only reason to consider flexible options.Remote businesses face fewer recruiting challengesAs the tide continues to turn on remote work,a large number of companies have begun rolling out mandatory office returns,from retail giants Wa

64、lmart and Amazon to leading tech firms like IBM and Dell.While many leading business figures believe the only key to a productive workforce is collaborative,in-person working,our findings tell a different story.After asking businesses practicing a range of working models about the productivity of th

65、eir teams,we found that fully and partially remote businesses overwhelmingly reported higher levels of output.Specifically,64%of fully remote businesses categorized their productivity level as“high,”compared to only 54%of businesses that expected workers to be in five days a week,and 53%of businesse

66、s that requested them to be in for two to three days.Full-time in-person businesses also reported low productivity(7%)to other businesses,with just 2%of those that managed fully remote teams marking their productivity as low.Self-reported productivity split by organizations remote work policyFully r

67、emote businesses are more productiveOur findings also revealed that employees tend to come into the office more than they are required to-with 62%of employees making the commute one day more than is expected of them,and 14%coming in for an extra two to four days.The fact that workers are still reapi

68、ng benefits from community working signals that the days of the physical office arent behind us just yet.But with fully remote businesses being more productive than any other type of business we surveyed,business owners should think twice before believing that in-person working is the only pathway t

69、o effective productivity,especially when 95%of companies already rely on remote-friendly technology.The reasons behind this productivity split are mixed.Some professionals explained that by implementing policies that prioritized worker well-being,employees were more willing to give more back,while o

70、thers said that in-office distractions-such as people talking,poor equipment,and lack of private spaces to make calls-were greater than those faced while working from home.-Technical Account Manager at Hootsuite Media LimitedHowever,these sentiments arent held across the board.34%of the fully remote

71、 businesses we surveyed still grapple with productivity issues,with many workers struggling to deliver results from the home office,too.For example,a Partner with Turner Morum LLP told us that the distractions from his young family tend to make him less productive when working from home,while anothe

72、r employee we interviewed found that meetings were more fruitful when they were able to talk to clients face to face.Our findings also revealed that employees tend to come into the office more than they are required to-with 62%of employees making the commute one day more than is expected of them,and

73、 14%coming in for an extra two to four days.The fact that workers are still reaping benefits from community working signals that the days of the physical office arent behind us just yet.But with fully remote businesses being more productive than any other type of business we surveyed,business owners

74、 should think twice before believing that in-person working is the only pathway to effective productivity,especially when 95%of companies already rely on remote-friendly technology.Whilst I enjoy seeing colleagues face-to-face,there are certainly more distractions when in the office.”Would you consi

75、der implementing a 4-day workweek?The 4-day workweek is wildly popular,especially among younger generationsDemands for greater job satisfaction and a healthier work-life balance are also powering another major workplace movement:the campaign for a 4-day workweek.While the movement has been bubbling

76、under the surface for years,the success of multiple global trials brought the concept firmly into the mainstream in 2023-and for good reason.Offering employees a 4-day workweek has been proven to unlock tangible benefits to companies,with the majority of workers reporting higher levels of job satisf

77、action and physical and mental well-being after the trial periods,and most businesses maintaining or succeeding in productivity and profit targets.Ditching a working day isnt possible for businesses in all sectors and specialisms.However,the results of our report confirm that most business owners ar

78、e open to the idea,with 42%of business owners considering rolling out the policy at their organization,and 17%already setting the wheels in motion.There also appears to be a stark generational divide when it comes to supporting the movement,with 65%of 35-44 year olds being willing to ax“Would you co

79、nsider implementing a four day working week at your organization?”Business leader responses by age groupa working day,compared to only 45%of business owners aged 55-64.This generational split is hardly surprising.Digital natives who belong to younger generations tend to be overwhelmingly more suppor

80、tive of working arrangements that prioritize flexibility and mental health than senior figures who rose through the ranks in the information age.Age isnt the only determining factor of course,with more workers in the 35-44 age bracket supporting the 4-day workweek than workers aged 25-34.These findi

81、ngs do make one thing clear:flexible workplace policies like a 4-day workweek are the new currency for businesses looking to attract younger talent.How extensively are AI tools utilized within your organization?Artificial intelligence can make a 4-day workweek a realityThe results of our research al

82、so revealed a heavy correlation between a businesss AI use and whether or not theyll be open to the idea of a 4-day workweek.Almost all businesses(93%)that were fully proficient in using AI are considering implementing the flexible policy at their workplace,with no businesses in this bracket(0%)bein

83、g against the idea,and only 7%saying they werent sure.In contrast,only 41%of businesses that havent used AI at all were on board with the idea,with 38%rejecting it altogether.Even businesses that were only using AI to a limited extent were much more likely to welcome a 4-day workweek than those with

84、 zero exposure(59%of these respondents are considering the idea,and 17%remain on the fence).As more businesses harness tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard to streamline processes and handle administrative duties,these responses unearth exciting insights about AIs potential to drive up productivity.Th

85、ey also demonstrate how this surplus productivity can be used to benefit workers and not just business owners,by freeing up leisure time and bringing concepts like the 4-day workweek closer to reality.While these benefits wont be felt by all businesses evenly,given a 4-day workweek remains unobtaina

86、ble for many service businesses and those requiring 24/7 coverage,these findings support the case for AI optimism.The technology should be depicted less as a job-replacer and more as an aid to healthier,flexible working lifestyles.Im not sureWould not considerWould considerBusiness likelihood to imp

87、lement a four-day working weekOld technology remains relevantWith all the talk of artificial intelligence and new forms of communication and collaboration tools enabling staff to work from anywhere in the world,youd be forgiven for thinking that older technology is becoming obsolete.However,this is

88、far from being the true case.While newer tools like VoIP telephones and integrated instant messaging software provide employees with better ways to collaborate,traditional methods remain the most commonly used as many businesses cling to what they know.Email remains more frequently used than team me

89、ssaging tools,and VoIP phones are nowhere near as common as traditional landlines.Most frequently used communication tool by businessesHow Is Technology Affecting Business Security?How Is Technology Affecting Business Security?In 2024,cyberattacks remain a key threat facing businesses of all sizes.A

90、s recently as October 2023,Google,Microsoft,and Cloudflare thwarted the largest DDoS attack ever recorded.At the same time,data breaches are occurring across the country on an almost-daily basis.Countless businesses -from casino chains to email service providers-have had confidential information ext

91、racted from their systems and sold on the dark web or have been held to ransom until a fee is paid.Even password managers,the supposed bastion of security,have been successfully targeted.As part of Tech.cos research into the impact of technology on the workplace,we asked business leaders whether the

92、ir organization had experienced a data breach this year.We also asked them about the source of any data breaches that had occurred,what security tools they were currently using,and whether they were confident in their companys ability to protect itself in the future.The data paints a worrying pictur

93、e for some:11%of senior business leaders said they were unsure whether their company had suffered a data breach in the last 12 months,indicating a worrying lack of awareness.A similar percentage(11.6%)said their company suffered a data breach,although more than three quarters got through the year un

94、scathed.Human errors remain a core component of many data breaches,including silly mistakes such as sending documents to the wrong person.The majority of businesses still arent taking advantage of security tools like VPNs and password managers.A concerning proportion of businesses arent convinced th

95、at their company is currently capable of protecting itself against cyberattacks.However,19%of business leaders surveyed say their business is using AI for cybersecurity.More than 1 in 10 senior businesses leaders are“unsure”whether theyve experienced a data breach in 2023Over 77%of businesses that r

96、esponded to our survey said their company hadnt suffered a data breach during 2023,but 11.6%said they had unfortunately fallen victim to a cyberattack during the last 12 months.The remaining 11%of business leaders surveyed-representing 115 different companies-admitted they were“not sure”whether thei

97、r company suffered a data breach in the last year.Has your organization experienced a data breach this year(2023)?After a data breach occurs,there are legal protocols that every business has to follow.For example,in California,businesses are legally required to notify any customer impacted by a brea

98、ch of their systems.The US has no federal,country-wide data protection legislation that operates like GDPR does in Europe,so the steps you have to take after a data breach vary from state to state.But there are usually a significant number of steps to take.Considering the wide range of specific acti

99、ons that need to be carried out in the aftermath of a data breach-from patching vulnerabilities to sending out a data breach notification to affected customers-there shouldnt be any instances where key decision makers at a business are“unsure”of whether an attack has occurred.This lack of certainty

100、suggests a number of businesses may not be equipped with the knowledge,processes,training,or tools to mitigate the negative impact of such an event,despite the fact that attacks can affect any business size.4%of businesses with fewer than 25 employees stated they had a data breach in 2023,and this j

101、umped past 10%for businesses with more than 25 employees.Businesses just beginning to grow past the 25 employee threshold should ensure they are prepared through training and technology investments to address this increasing vulnerability rather than believing their business is too small to be targe

102、ted or to warrant adequate data security.Has your organization experienced a data breach this year?(2023)While the threat landscape continues to diversify,one of the biggest threats to business security remains internal-specifically,the errors made by employees.“Human error”-such as sending a docume

103、nt to the wrong address-is still at the center of a significant number of cyberattacks experienced by businesses.In fact,12%of the businesses reported that the source of their cyberattack was due to some sort of employee error.Human error also plays its part in other ways.Phishing attacks-many of wh

104、ich rely on employee interaction with a link or fake landing page-proved to be the source of 23%of the data breaches experienced by respondents to our survey.One business leader who spoke to Tech.co about a phishing email attack that impacted their company revealed that the email in question was“sen

105、t on a Friday evening,exploiting the reduced vigilance typical of weeks end.,”This allowed the threat actor a 36-hour window before detection.They said a“special response team”of legal,IT,and communication stakeholders had to be convened to devise a rescue plan and address impacted clients via email

106、.Another business leader who spoke to Tech.co about the ways in which a recent data breach impacted their companys operations revealed that“approximately 350 customer accounts”were compromised,“exposing data such as names,email addresses,and purchase histories”and forcing the company to commit appro

107、ximately 500 hours of employee time to mitigating the effects of the breach in the week after it was discovered.A similar percentage(22%)to those who fell victim to phishing attacks reported that“computer viruses”-including attack vectors like ransomware and malware-were the source of their companys

108、 data breach.Humans are still the weak link when it comes to business securityDespite looming cybersecurity threats,most companies arent using VPNs and password managersMost survey respondents reported that they werent using a VPN(59%)-despite the technology being used by more than 1.5 billion peopl

109、e worldwide in 2023.This is particularly interesting considering that 7%of businesses admitted theyd suffered a data breach in the last 12 months due to data being intercepted from unencrypted channels,and 8%of respondents put it down to unsecure Wi-Fi networks.Both of these vulnerabilities can be a

110、lleviated by VPN encryption capabilities,which shield users from threat actors lurking in open Wi-Fi networks.The remote connections they provide to company servers also ensure data is encrypted in transit.The majority of business leaders(66%)also confirmed that they arent using password managers at

111、 their company to secure account credentials.This isnt as surprising for a number of reasons.For one,high-profile password manager LastPass suffered two data breaches in quick succession last year,which led to a wider conversation about how safe the technology actually is.Secondly,a lot of businesse

112、s now utilize authentication schemes such as single-sign on,reducing the number of passwords required.However,the advent of passkeys may prove to be the real death knell for password managers.Google made passkeys the default sign-in method for accounts in October 2023 because these are universally c

113、onsidered to be more secure.While the percentage of companies using VPNs and password managers to secure their networks was somewhat lower than expected,19.5%of the businesses we surveyed said theyre already harnessing the power of AI for cybersecurity purposes.More businesses reported that they wer

114、e using AI for cybersecurity than other tasks and roles often associated more closely with the“AI revolution.”For instance,more businesses reported that theyre using AI for cybersecurity than financial analysis(15.5%),legal research(5.8%),design tasks(18.8%),and language translation(14.2%).More than

115、 one quarter of business leaders arent confident that their company can respond appropriately to a data breachWe asked the senior business leaders we surveyed whether they were confident in their companys ability to defend and respond to a data breach in the future.11%of respondents said they werent

116、 confident,while a further 15%said they were unsure.In total,that means that 26%of business leaders have little faith that their business has the protections in place to prevent or recover from a major cyberattack or data leak.This figure is concerning considering that 40%of businesses we surveyed s

117、aid they believed innovations made in the cybersecurity threat landscape will have a“high”or“very high”impact on their business in 2024.Whats more,a further 28%predicted them to have a“moderate”effect on their operations next year.Almost one in five businesses are now using AI for cybersecurityBusin

118、ess cybersecurity in 2024While the vast majority of businesses that participated in our report survey didnt fall victim to a data breach in 2023,it seems that a number of businesses are still putting off investing in cybersecurity tools,or providing their staff with enough training to stem the flow

119、of phishing attacks that are targeting their networks.Data breaches are still occurring due to vulnerabilities because a lot of businesses arent using readily available security technology.A significant minority of senior leaders seem to not have enough visibility over their companys security and IT

120、 workflows to even know whether their company has suffered a data breach or not.This is perhaps why more than a quarter of businesses arent confident that their company can defend or respond to attacks carried out on their networks.Cyberattacks are unlikely to relent in 2024,so better tools,more vis

121、ibility over business security processes,and in-depth training should be at the top of the priority list.How Is Technology Changing Job Roles?How Is Technology Changing JobRoles?The rise of artificial intelligence in the business world has led to a wide range of changes across the global landscape.T

122、asks that once required a human employee are being streamlined with the help of AI chatbots and large language models,improving productivity and saving time for the business willing to take advantage of the technology.However,as with any technological advancement,the impact of AI and other technolog

123、ies on job roles is a serious concern.The tech industry has already laid off a large percentage of its workforce over the past couple of years,and fears that AI could eliminate even more jobs are on the rise.So,what is the actual risk of technology when it comes to challenging job roles?And how else

124、 is technology impacting business role responsibilities and expectations?Key findings:Nearly a quarter(24%)of senior leadership professionals consider AI expertise a very important or extremely important skill for new hires.Half(50%)of senior leadership professionals consider data analysis a very im

125、portant or extremely important skill for new hires.88%of senior leadership professionals consider communication a very important or extremely important skill for new hires.63%of senior leadership professionals whose organizations who use AI for writing tasks state that AI tools have had no impact on

126、 removing job roles.71%of senior leadership professionals whose organizations who use AI for supply-chain optimization state that AI tools have had an impact on removing job roles.Most businesses arent replacing jobs with AI yetWhile concerns that the rise of AI will eliminate jobs at a staggering r

127、ate are valid,our data shows that there isnt too much to worry about at the present time.Out of all responses from managers and directors across US businesses,a majority(53%)noted that AI tools have had no impact on job roles.To further assuage professionals concerned about the rise of this technolo

128、gy,the impact of AI tools on job roles appears to be on a sliding scale,with 24%of respondents reporting that AI tools have impacted a few jobs,15%saying its had a moderate impact,5%noting a significant effect on job roles,and only 4%stating that AI has had an extensive impact across their business.

129、All this to say,the problem isnt dire just yet.Obviously,technology and AI have begun having an effect on job roles,but for the majority of professionals,theres plenty of time before the need to sound any alarms.To what extent has your organizations use of AI toolsremoved the need for certain job ro

130、les?Distrust of AI could keep job replacements downBy all accounts,generative AI platforms like ChatGPT should have completely transformed the business world by now.These services are productivity machines,providing businesses with everything from content to code in seconds,without the need for full

131、-time employees that cost money and resources.So,whats the hold up?According to our data,one of the primary reasons could be that AI is simply not reliable enough in these early stages to be fully trusted with business operations.We found that 49%of business leaders are concerned about the risk of l

132、arge language AI models like ChatGPT when it comes to generating false information.Only 39%said they were not at all concerned,with 12%saying that they werent entirely sure.Even with recent updates to popular platforms like ChatGPT,the distrust of generative AI technology is very much warranted.The

133、number of AI errors,mistakes,and outright failures continues to rise on a consistent basis,with everything from false accusations and plagiarism,to deepfakes and name-calling spoiling the success of the technology.Suffice to say,until AI technology becomes more consistent and reliable in business se

134、ttings,job roles will remain safe for the majority of professionals.Are you concerned about the risk of large language AI models generating false information?49%38%13%Some roles are safer than others from AI replacementWhile the majority of professionals have nothing to worry about when it comes to

135、AI replacing their jobs,the reality is that some professionals do have to worry,depending on their particular role at their company.Our data found AI is being used for a variety of tasks across the business landscape,but that some of these AI-performed tasks are leading to job replacements more than

136、 others.What does your organization use AI for?AI used for ancillary tasks like writing,design,and scheduling has limited impact on jobsAs our research shows,AI is being used for ancillary tasks like writing,design,and scheduling,but that isnt leading to job replacements at a rate some would expect.

137、In fact,an impressive 63%of AI used for writing tasks has led to no job replacements at all,with similar results for when AI is used for design(51%),language translations(50%),automated data entry(47%),and scheduling and calendar management(47%).Rather than replacing jobs,this kind of AI usage is as

138、sisting current employees to improve productivity.This is likely due to the fact that these kinds of jobs are fairly standard in the day-to-day of employees that perform other tasks,so their automation isnt replacing every job role entirely.Instead,automating these areas is making life easier for em

139、ployees who are also doing other projects.Business functions that require time-consuming and complex data-processing tasks are prime for job replacement by AIWhen AI is used for ancillary tasks like writing,design,and scheduling,few job roles are impacted,but that isnt always the case for other role

140、s.Our data found that time-consuming,complex data-processing tasks are being replaced by AI at quite a clip.In fact,only 28%of supply chain optimization roles have had no impact from AI,with 72%of businesses that have implemented AI for this purpose have changed or removed job roles in some way.This

141、 is likely nothing more than a bottomline decision,with these time-consuming,complex data-processing roles costing a lot of money to fill with well-trained professionals.Subsequently,being able to replace them with an automated system will save the company the most money,which is why theyre willing

142、to risk forgoing a full-time employee to make it happen.Communication,problem-solving,and time management are the most important skills for new hiresThose still worried about AI taking their job,or worse,preventing them from finding a new one,will likely be reassured by Tech.cos findings on what hir

143、ing managers consider to be the most valuable skills in a new employee.Human skills are still very much needed in the workplace,and communication(88%),problem solving(86%),and time management(85%)are considered the top traits for choosing incoming team members.Hiring managers are generally looking f

144、or employees that can work with people,not bots.In fact,only 1%of respondents said that communication skills werent important,with no respondents(0%)daring to suggest that problem solving or time management werent valuable.Rate each skill based on their importance for hiring:AI Expertise isnt as imp

145、ortant as soft skills for nowWhile fundamentally-human skills are still considered the most valuable when it comes to new hires,the impact of technology is clear when it comes to the additional skills business leaders are looking for:43%of managers and directors believe that AI expertise is at least

146、 moderately important.On the other hand,AI skills were ranked lower than any other skill area for their importance,and 34%of managers and directors dont believe AI expertise is important at all the highest level of disregard compared to any other skill considered.As has been the story throughout our

147、 research,it doesnt appear that AI is having a massive impact on the business world yet,but the trend is certainly headed in an upward direction.This means that employees learning AI skills now will likely be ahead of the competition in the near future,as long as theyve nailed the basics of communic

148、ation,problem solving and time management.Data analysis skills are considered more valuable than specialist skillsWhen it comes to technologys impact on changing job roles,there is one skill that stands out as uniquely valuable to managers and directors,and thats data analysis.51%of senior leadershi

149、p professionals stated that data analysis was a very important or extremely important skill for new hires,which came in well ahead of financial literacy(40%)and multilingualism(24%).Considering the huge amount of data that can be collected in the modern era,including the use of AI to collect it,this

150、 shouldnt be surprising.Data on customers,markets,and the competition can be an extremely valuable asset for companies of all sizes because it informs strategy and decision making,making the role of data analysis that much more important,regardless of industry.Our research shows that as we enter 202

151、4,the US remains in a transitionary period,where the introduction of new technologies is spurring the adoption of alternatives to traditional business tools and practices.However,breaking away from established decades-old norms takes time,and the pace of this continued change may not match our immed

152、iate expectations.The latest technological advancements have already proven they can reshape our work experience,from influencing how we interact with colleagues and safety precautions we need to take to job satisfaction and even altering the nature of work itself.However,our research highlights tha

153、t were still in an early stage of change,for many areas.Email is still the most common form of communication,VoIP adoption is low when compared to traditional phones,and most senior leaders are indifferent to AI.Furthermore,theres resistance to hybrid and remote working,despite the benefits our rese

154、arch has demonstrated.Despite slow shifts in these areas,our research has underscored the impact of ever prevalent data in driving technological advancements.IoT and 5G were highlighted among the key technologies that business leaders expect to influence their operations this year,and we have seen t

155、he increasing value of data analysis as a critical skill.This hints at an impending fundamental shift in the job market,shaping the opportunities for generations to come.Crucially,amid our focus on technology,our research highlights the enduring importance of the human experience in the workplace.Hu

156、man skills,such as the ability to communicate well with others,are still rated as the most valuable by hiring managers.Senior leaders recognize that tools fostering closer communication,collaboration,and enhanced teamwork are poised to have the most significant impact in 2024.This makes sense,since

157、success in organizations is facilitated by these very aspects.The most impactful technological changes are the ones which help us work better together.-Lead Researcher,James MaceyLooking Ahead to 2024“Every business is a tech business”Tech.co will continue to monitor and cover the latest technologie

158、s and their impact on the workplace,with daily news,reviews and advice guides.To stay informed,sign up to our newsletter or visit tech.co.We look forward to seeing you there.About UsTech.co was established in 2006 as a networking platform for companies working out of the Chicago area,and has transfo

159、rmed into a fully-fledged media company with readers around the world.We aim to translate our passion for technology into insightful news and analysis,helpful buyers guides and practical resources,so SMBs across the US and beyond can grow their revenues,work smarter,and secure their success,now and

160、in the future.Each year,Tech.co carries out thousands of hours of independent product testing and market analyses to support over 5 million professionals annually in their pursuit to learn more about technology and make the right purchasing decisions.We also work directly with dozens of Fortune 500

161、clients,such as Salesforce,HubSpot and Zoom,to help advise on their strategies and enable them to reach brand new audiences.To stay informed on the latest developments and find the right technology for your workplace,sign up to our newsletter or visit tech.co today.You can also find us on social media: