Copilot for Microsoft 365 “may curb spontaneous, original thinking”, one of Microsoft’s largest partners warned despite painting a glowing picture of how the tool has gone down with employees more generally.
Global Microsoft solutions provider Avanade today released the findings of its study designed to gauge the impact of Copilot for M365 on employee experience.
Study based on “biggest Copilot pilot group”
When Copilot for Microsoft 365 went on general release in January, onlookers variously branded it a “tailwind for the entire channel” and a “catalyst for significant growth”.
Avanade claims its seven-week study, which drew on the experiences of 700 employees, involved “the biggest pilot group for Copilot for M365 to have been undertaken during the Early Access Programme” (which preceded general release).
The mission was to investigate the impact of the generative AI tool on six human metrics in the workplace: communication, creativity, trust, work satisfaction, belongingness, and organisational citizenship behaviour.
The study showed that “the vast majority of employees see the value of Copilot for M365 for communication purposes, despite initial caution”, Veit Siegenheim, Global Future of Work Lead, at Avanade, said.
It can also “support the articulation and execution of new ideas and free up time for more strategic thinking through the automation of administrative tasks”.
“However, this may also curb spontaneous, original thinking and whilst employees acknowledged the respectfulness and fairness of the system’s suggestions, they have concerns around its oversight and accountability long-term,” Siegenheim added.
“Ultimately, Copilot for M365 is not a ‘flip the switch’ technology but holds huge potential for improving communication and creativity when implemented. By understanding these challenges, we can better support our clients in navigating the adoption process and maximising the tool’s value.”
Founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft, Avanade is today majority owned by Accenture. The 6,000-employee giant’s UK arm ranked 14th in the recent Oxygen 250.
The study quizzed 700 Avanade employees spanning a range of levels and functions in the business in July and October 2023.
Avanade’s findings across the six metrics:
Communication
Almost half (45%) of employees felt less cautious about their communication when assisted by Copilot as familiarity with the tool increased. The approval rating of Copilot for M365 decreased from 73% to 70% year-on-year as employee expectations aligned with a better understanding of its capabilities and demonstrates that communication remains a strong use case for the tool.
Creativity and Innovation
Avanade’s overall creativity and innovation score increased by 2% to 82% since last year. Approval for embracing new ways of working increased from 80% to 89%, but preference for tasks that required original thinking saw a slight decline.
Trust
Almost nine in ten (88%) perceived Copilot for M365 to align with corporate values and over half (65%) said it aligned with individual personal values. Copilot for M365’s assistance with tasks was well-regarded, with a 75% satisfaction score. However, the average ratings for the tool’s transparency (78%) and accountability (65%) reflect the importance of understanding of the tool’s decision-making process and implementing robust governance.
Work satisfaction
Following the introduction of Copilot or M365, 85% of people said they felt a sense of accomplishment from their work. 80% of people said they remained engaged with tasks, indicating that Copilot for M365 integrated into daily routines without reducing the stimulating aspects of work.
Belongingness
Generally, levels of team cohesion were sustained following the introduction of Copilot for M365. 85% reported that the sense of camaraderie and support from team members remained steady throughout the study. However, average belongingness and team collaboration score decreased by 2%, suggesting room for further consideration and improvement.
Organisational citizenship behaviour
Technological adaptability increased to 86%, indicating that the tool may facilitate or encourage technical skills and adaptation to new tools. Altruism and courtesy remained stable at 88%, suggesting that Copilot for M365 did not detract from the collaborative and helpful spirit of the organisation.
