While half of employees in Belgium use artificial intelligence at work, seven in ten working believe that their organisation lacks clear rules regarding AI use, according to a survey by HR expert Acterta Consult.
The first measures of the European AI Regulation came into effect in Belgium in February 2025, imposing uniform rules for the use of AI in European workplaces.
Employers, for example, must ensure AI literacy among their employees, including by offering training.
"An analysis of Eurostat data previously showed that Belgium is in the top three when it comes to the use of AI in companies," said Ellen Van Grunderbeek, legal expert at Acerta Consult.
While employers realise that they share responsibility for the digital literacy of their employees, "many companies are still struggling to put the European regulation into practice," she stressed.
Credit: Belga
Half of employees now use one or more AI applications for their jobs, the survey showed. Roughly one in ten (10.2%) do so daily, 15.1% weekly, another 10.5% monthly, and 12.8% at least several times a year.
However, seven in 10 working Belgians believe there are still insufficient guidelines regarding AI in the workplace, and 43.1% do not know whether their employer even allows AI tools at work.
Most companies are positive about the use of AI: over half (53.3%) allow AI tools under certain conditions, 34.6% allow them without restrictions, and only 12.2% prohibit all AI tools.
"Transparent communication about the AI applications that the employer permits and prohibits, the associated conditions, and the supervisory authority they can contact for questions or uncertainties are important aspects of AI policy within the organisation," Van Grunderbeek said. "This can take the form of an AI policy that both employers and employees can refer to."
No plans for AI training
According to the EU regulation, employers must prepare their staff for the AI evolution. Most companies are doing so; 40.2% offered AI training last year, and 24.1% plan to do so this year.
However, 35.7% have not yet provided AI training, and these companies also have no plans to organise training on AI tools.
"We see in practice that the fact that some employers do not yet offer AI training is often not due to unwillingness," said Van Grunderbeek. "It is more a matter of ignorance and uncertainty: some companies do not know that it is mandatory, others are unsure about the exact content and/or struggle to find high-quality, accessible training that aligns with their sector."
"Additionally, many organisations are waiting for clear government guidelines or inspiring examples from competitors before they dare to take the first step," she said. "However, AI training is essential given the potential risks of AI, for example, when it comes to data sharing."
Credit: AFP/China OUT/Belga
Although AI training has not yet found widespread acceptance in all companies, there is a strong appetite among employees to learn about the various applications of Artificial Intelligence.
Over a quarter (26.3%) of employees indicate that at least some (or all) of their company received AI training last year. Another 10.4% expect to receive AI training this year.
However, nearly two-thirds (63.2%) have not received any training or were unaware of training plans. Nevertheless, there is considerable enthusiasm for AI training among employees: 60% are interested in receiving training on the use of AI in their work.
Too little clarity
"The survey shows that young people have more confidence in AI than their older colleagues, which is understandable given their familiarity with technology," said Van Grunderbeek. "Not every role is equally amenable to AI integration, but it's advisable to approach AI proactively rather than waiting."
This is confirmed by the fact that 60% of employees indicated at the beginning of this year that they were interested in AI training. These are not only young people; employees over 55 years old are also interested: about half (50.4%) are interested in training.
"We can only applaud this, and it is now up to companies to take action. Understandably, companies are still struggling for the time being: there is currently too little clarity in legislation about what exactly AI training should entail," she said.
"AI not only creates a need for knowledge about AI itself, but also for training that strengthens critical thinking skills, human interaction, and adaptability."
