New research conducted by The Access Group has revealed that a significant 35% of UK workers are using generative AI without informing their managers. This trend highlights the increasing use of AI among employees while organizations are still in the process of developing governance strategies for its use. The emergence of Shadow AI poses a challenge for many IT teams, accentuating the need for proper management and oversight.

Shadow IT, although not a new phenomenon, has gained prominence due to hybrid working models and easy access to cloud services in the UK. This unauthorized use of technology within organizations often stems from inefficient processes, including delays in technology requests or lack of visibility and communication between departments. To address this issue, organizations can implement automation tools to streamline IT processes, identify bottlenecks, and enhance user experience.

By following a structured framework for automation that includes identifying key areas for improvement, utilizing low-code tools, and scaling new processes, organizations can expedite IT request fulfillment and reduce reliance on shadow IT. Continuous monitoring and improvement are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of automated processes in mitigating security risks associated with unauthorized technology use.

As technologies like AI continue to evolve rapidly, organizations must focus on modernizing their IT processes to prevent further instances of shadow IT and enhance overall security measures. End-to-end process automation plays a crucial role in identifying breakdowns in IT processes, implementing automation solutions, and promoting employee engagement while minimizing the need for shadow IT practices.