Gen AI spurs U.S. hiring surge, says Upwork
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting a hiring surge, with 49% of business leaders planning to increase freelance and full-time hiring due to generative AI.
According to a report by freelance platform Upwork, generative AI’s ability to craft new content or algorithms from data patterns has become a key boardroom discussion.
Most business leaders (59%) also revealed that they personally embrace generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.
Interestingly, the survey saw a strong correlation between the adoption of generative AI and remote work. Fully remote companies are more likely to embrace the technology (68%) than office-based businesses (53%).
Midsized companies (501-5,000 employees) are also at the forefront of generative AI adoption, with 62% leveraging the technology, outpacing small (56%) and larger companies (41%).
However, Upwork also revealed a growing gap between C-suite executives and their leadership teams over the extent of generative AI adoption within organizations. Around 73% of C-suite executives said their company embraces generative AI, compared to only 54% of VPs, 52% of directors, and 53% of senior managers.
The report said addressing this disconnect necessitates a robust change management strategy, clear outcome expectations, and a focus on generative AI learning and development.
Upwork’s latest study was conducted by independent research firm ClearlyRated. Around 1,400 business leaders in the United States (U.S.) —senior managers through the C-suite level—were surveyed through a third-party independent online sample in May 2023.
