The not-so-secret use of AI in business writing

Have you heard? There’s an open secret floating around the office: many employees are covertly using AI to complete tasks, improving their overall work experience. A Workforce Lab at Slack survey revealed that 81% of AI users reported an increase in productivity using AI. Because of this, they experienced 24% higher overall job satisfaction and were 29% more likely to feel passionate about their work. But there are a few reasons why this is happening under the radar.

Shadow AI is a term that describes the use of generative AI without authorization from an organization’s IT team. This unreported use can happen because an organization might not have clear rules around AI use, including which software to use and what information employees can put into it. However, employees might secretly use AI for a more human reason: they might feel like AI can replace them.

Using unauthorized generative AI solutions comes with considerable risks. Maybe you’ve heard the term “BYOAI” (“bring your own AI”), which references employees using programs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, or lesser-known generative AI at work. Sharing company or client information with these tools, especially ones that aren’t as vetted, can increase the risk of data privacy leaks or security breaches. Compliance issues can also arise if the AI tools aren’t up to industry standards. Also, overall accuracy can be impacted because AI can hallucinate and share misinformation.

Check out this quick Grovo video from Cornerstone Originals, where we dive into a real-life scenario of an AI chatbot at work — and why careful use matters.

The solution for shadow AI is simple: training. Grovo’s (A Cornerstone Original brand) Writing with AI is an 11-course microlearning program that covers the basics of working with generative AI chatbots. This program educates employees on AI chatbots, their strengths and limitations, and how to use them to be more productive in their roles. There are courses on comparing or summarizing articles while researching, brainstorming and refining ideas, editing and writing for clarity or specific audiences, and practicing presentation skills — all with an AI chatbot.

Writing with AI also stresses the importance of human critical thinking when using AI. An AI chatbot can act as an assistant and help complete tasks, but employees still need to fact-check and assess what it generates. AI works best when coupled with human intelligence, showing that it cannot completely replace most human roles.

There are a few benefits of rolling out generative AI training. First, all employees will gain the same understanding of how your organization wants them to leverage generative AI in their roles and how to handle company data. Training employees can also be a part of reskilling and upskilling efforts, helping employees learn in their roles and adapt to changing responsibilities and technology. Plus, training on generative AI is essential to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. AI use and application have a gender gap. According to a survey from Slack, men ages 18 to 29 were 25% more likely to have tried AI tools than women in the same age group. Generative AI training can help close this gender gap and make everyone safer and more productive.

Incorporating generative AI into the workplace should be a strategic effort from an organization’s leadership team. Training programs like Grovo’s Writing with AI can help employees feel supported by their organization. Empowering employees with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive can help create a future where AI and human intelligence work together. When used appropriately, working with generative AI should not be a secret but rather a tool for success.

For more information on Grovo’s Writing with AI program or partner programs from Cornerstone OnDemand, visit our website.