The article highlights the rising trend of employees utilizing personal AI tools at work, often without the consent of IT departments. A survey from Software AG reveals that about half of knowledge workers employ personal AI solutions, driven by lack of corporate offerings or preference for their own tools. The piece discusses insights from individuals like John and Peter, who explain how unofficial tools enhance their efficiency and stimulate creative thinking, while cautioning companies about rigid policies that could restrict employee productivity. The evolving landscape of AI technology is also emphasized, with new tools emerging rapidly.
It's easier to get forgiveness than permission," says John, a software engineer at a financial services technology company. "Just get on with it. And if you get in trouble later, then clear it up. "
It's largely a glorified autocomplete, but it is very good," he says. "It completes 15 lines at a time, and then you look over it and say, 'yes, that's what I would've typed'. It frees you up. You feel more fluent.
I've been telling people at work not to renew team licences for a year at a time because in three months the whole landscape changes," he says.
External AI tools are banned but Peter uses ChatGPT through search tool Kagi. He finds the biggest benefit of AI comes from challenging his thinking.
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