Just over a quarter of small businesses using AI: Hiscox

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Hiscox, a specialist global insurer, released its Hiscox People and Programs Report. The survey suggests small businesses are interested in using artificial intelligence within their internal operations. 

Laila Gillies, head of people at Hiscox USA, said in a statement: “The topic that’s dominating headlines and minds across the world right now is AI. What does it mean for our businesses, our people and where can it add value.”

Just over a quarter, 26% of respondents said they are currently using AI and 75% said they plan to implement the technology over the next two years. Small businesses are using AI in email software and online distribution channels. 

Gillies said: “This research shows that small businesses are more than dialed into the conversation; they’ve already identified where AI can drive benefits, but most importantly, where the human connection matters most. Small businesses are the guardians of our local communities, and perhaps, our humanness too.”

The survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research and included responses from 1,000 U.S. small business owners, with between one and 50 employees. 

Other findings to note:

Seventy-one percent of small businesses see remote work as a productive use of their employees time.
Forty-nine percent of small businesses recruit employees through word of mouth. 
Four in five small business owners trust AI to be accurate.

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