AI tools have quickly become a big part of how people work in offices today. But when the tools provided by companies aren’t good enough, many employees start using their own AI tools instead. This trend is known as “shadow AI.” While it may help workers be more productive, it also creates serious risks. This includes leaking private company data, violating data security rules, and losing control over important information. Interestingly, a study sponsored by tech giant IBM (IBM) shows that 80% of American office workers use AI at their jobs, but only 22% stick to company-approved tools.
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In addition, Gen Z workers (ages 18–24) are even more likely to use their own tools, with 35% saying that they do so. In contrast, only 14% of older workers say the same. These numbers show that many companies aren’t keeping up with what their employees need, which pushes people to find outside solutions that could put the company at risk.
Even though nearly all workers—97%—say that AI helps them do their jobs better, only a third believe their companies are making the most of it. To fix this, businesses need to make their tools easier to use, improve how AI accesses data, and offer more training. Since most workers believe AI will be very important in the next few years, it’s important for companies to provide safe, effective tools that employees actually want to use.
Is IBM a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on seven Buys, six Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $295.18 per share implies 3.5% downside risk.
