Captivate: AI, Gender Gaps and the Future of Work

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and revolutionizing the way professionals work, innovate and compete. Yet, as businesses increasingly integrate generative AI into daily workflows, a stark gender gap in adoption has emerged.

AI at Work

Only about a third of women (36%) have embraced generative AI for work-related tasks, compared to nearly half of men (49%) who report doing the same, a new Captivate Office Pulse study found. The generational gap is also significant -- just 25% of female Baby Boomers are using AI at work, whereas 41% of Gen Z women report using this technology.

This clear disparity may stem from underlying concerns, with women twice as likely as men to cite ethical concerns as a reason for not using AI. And while both men and women use generative AI more for personal than for work tasks, 71% of male professionals have used generative AI for either, significantly higher than the 54% of female professionals who said the same.

Most women (80%) who do use AI have taught themselves.

• Over half of female managers and senior managers have used generative AI at work, whereas less than a third of female reports have.
• Nearly half of women (46%) have yet to use generative AI, compared to only 29% of men.
• 42% of women who haven’t adopted generative AI say it’s due to a lack of education and understanding.

Gender Disparity Beyond AI

This hesitation around AI adoption is just one piece of a broader workplace dynamic. Beyond technology, women’s career decisions are also influenced by their perception of workplace culture. A staggering 70% of female professionals who lack confidence in their company's gender equality culture are more likely to seek new job opportunities. In fact, only 43% of women believe their employer actively promotes gender equality.

This sense of doubt is even more meaningful because 35% of women reported experiencing microaggressions – subtle verbal or non-verbal slights or insults based on one’s identity markers – and 36% said they had witnessed such behavior. 74% of women who reported not being confident about their company’s gender culture have experienced microaggressions, highlighting how even small expressions of inequality can stack up.

• Women (36%) and men (39%) witnessed microaggressions at nearly the same rate.
• Environmental microaggressions were the most common form, with 62% of respondents indicating they had witnessed them.

Closing the Gender Gap

Is it any wonder, then, that so many successful women recognize the importance of uplifting others? In a beloved annual feature, Captivate is giving female leaders at every level a platform to share their insights and advice.

“I hope to leave behind a legacy of empowerment -- helping others, especially women, to build confidence, take risks, and create opportunities for themselves.” - Rachel Tuffney, CEO, Trellis

“Leadership isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the hundreds of small, everyday actions -- listening, encouraging and showing up in the moments that matter.” - Marissa Yoss, Vice President, Media & Brand Marketing, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Disparities in AI adoption and workplace culture underscore a critical issue that companies can no longer afford to overlook. For organizations striving to build a competitive edge and retain top talent, addressing gender inequality in the workplace must be a fundamental priority. Achieving true professional success requires not only empowering individuals but also fostering support and inclusion.

Posted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership self-publishing platform.

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The opinions expressed here are the author's views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillage.org/MyersBizNet.