UK Employees Could Save 390 Hours Annually with AI, But Concerns Persist

Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the workplace could reduce the working hours for UK employees by nearly 390 hours every year, reveals a fresh study. However, the looming anxieties surrounding AI's impact on job security keep many workers from readily welcoming this transformation.

Conducted for Visier, a decision-enhancing cloud analytics platform, by Censuswide, the research discovered that UK professionals utilizing AI at work had saved an average of 1.55 hours daily, equating to the notable 390 hours annually.

Yet, a significant chunk of the workforce remains hesitant. Over half (56%) indicated that their organizations hadn't advocated AI's incorporation, and 53% voiced fears about AI overshadowing their current expertise, possibly leading to job losses.

The findings encompass feedback from 3,030 individuals aged 18 and over from large firms in the UK, US, Germany, and Canada, gathered between 25-31 May.

Worker Perspectives on Collaborating with AI

Despite the evident advantages in efficiency, workers express mixed feelings regarding AI's influence on their professions.

• 36% anticipate added stress due to AI.
• 37% worry about potential inaccuracies introduced by AI.
• 38% are concerned about AI-related data privacy breaches.

However, a silver lining emerges as 67% acknowledge the significance of cultivating AI proficiency for their career trajectories, indicating a realization that AI will become a mainstream tool in future job roles.

Nevertheless, AI acumen might be one of many career ladder determinants. 40% deem soft skills pivotal for professional advancement, and 43% prioritize leadership abilities. A mere 10% considered technical skills crucial for career progression, like understanding emerging technologies.

Optimistically, 40% believe that AI might enhance their work-life harmony, and 31% envisage it addressing the UK's skills shortage.

AI Integration in UK Workplaces: What Lies Ahead?

While the UK endeavors to streamline AI workplace regulations calls for stringent scrutiny over AI applications grow louder from activists, lawmakers, and trade unions.

As the AI integration debate oscillates between its merits and challenges, Mary Towers, spearheading a Trade Union Congress (TUC) initiative on workplace AI, opines, "AI holds the promise of enhancing job satisfaction, reward, safety, and fairness. The rapid technological evolution prompts us to introspect – which trajectory should we endorse, and how do we ensure inclusive decision-making?"

Recent data from the Prospect trade union underscores this sentiment, showing that almost 60% of Britons advocate for AI workplace regulations.

Ben Harris, UK MD at Visier, emphasizes the pivotal role of business leaders. "Amidst the backdrop of swift technological disruption, the onus is on leaders to identify skill gaps and proactively upskill employees, especially in areas like AI. By merging AI with adaptable skills, businesses can future-proof roles, optimize productivity, and maintain a competitive edge."

To assist businesses in this transition, R Consultancy, in collaboration with Oracle Academies, offers training programs to equip staff with essential AI skills.