• 75% of UK business travellers would use, or have used, unapproved AI tools
• Many aren't happy with the tools they're given, some aren't even given any
• Workers don't want to use other tools – they just want AI to be integrated

New data from SAP Concur has apparently confirmed employees are still ignoring company policies, with three in four UK business travellers using (or would use) unapproved AI tools.

Data from the company's Global Business Travel Survey shows that, while organizations are investing heavily in AI, they're not giving workers access to the right tools.

As a result, employees are opting to use other, more suitable alternatives and often prefer publicly available chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

Shadow AI is an even bigger issue among travelling workers

Two in five (43%) said they use unapproved tools because they prefer different options to what they're provided, but one-third (32%) say their organization doesn't even offer any AI tools to support planning or booking travel, forcing them to look elsewhere.

The data shows that remote workers (81%) are more likely to use shadow AI than office-based employees (71%), as are younger workers like Gen Z (79%) and Millennials (76%) compared with Gen X (62%) and Boomers (49%).

As for what employees are looking for when it comes to AI supporting their travel needs, the biggest use case is planning itineraries (37%). Tracking expenses (30%), assessing travel risks (26%), making changes to their trip (24%) and completing expense reports (21%) are also common use cases for the productivity-boosting technology.

But business leaders already know the scale of the problem – 100% of CFOs are concerned about shadow AI in business travel, the report found.

"Leaders must educate workers on the risks and provide T&E tools that deliver the desired level of AI support," EMEA VP for Concur Travel Paul Dear noted.

Looking ahead, the fix must come from organizations – workers clearly aren't too keen on having to navigate to third-party tools, and are doing it out of necessity. More than a third actually want their AI tools integrated into their productivity software (38%), communications platforms (36%) and CRM systems (32%).

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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!