Employees are ready for generative AI but need leadership direction

A new survey conducted by Tænketanken Mandag Morgen, in partnership with DI Digital, IDA, DM, and HK, explores how employees on Danish workplaces experience the introduction of generative artificial intelligence. The study reveals that generative AI is already a part of daily working life, and that employees generally view the technology with high enthusiasm and experience clear everyday benefits.

Specifically, 62 percent of employees are positive about the introduction of AI on their workplace, while only 9 percent are negative. The primary benefits reported by staff are increased speed and higher quality in their tasks. Fifty-five percent of employees state they can solve tasks faster with generative AI, freeing up capacity and boosting productivity, while 44 percent agree that the technology improves the quality of their work.

Despite the positive reception, the survey highlights that leadership direction and a clear strategy are critical for a successful implementation. When management sets a strategic direction, communicates a clear purpose, and creates common frameworks, employee positivity rises to 75 percent. Positive attitudes also remain high at 68 percent when employees adopt the technology first and management subsequently establishes frameworks based on those experiences. In contrast, positivity drops to 48 percent when it remains unclear who drives the development.

Experts emphasize that companies do not need a complete strategy from day one, but that leadership must take responsibility, get started in practice, and build guidelines along the way. Targeted competence development is also highlighted as essential to ensure that the benefits of efficiency and quality are not restricted only to tech-savvy employees or the largest companies, allowing all staff to build skills through concrete tasks.