Two thirds of workers expect they will become more reliant on AI in their day-to-day roles within the next five years, with many expecting it to boost both efficiency and productivity. However a recent poll has revealed that despite the optimism, the majority of workers find the pace of change with the technology overwhelming to keep up with, highlighting a growing need for better training surrounding how to use it.
The survey, involving 4,640 adults from nearly 30 different sectors, revealed that while interest in AI is high, knowledge on how to use it properly is limited. Training, or lack thereof, is cited as a significant hurdle to wider AI integration. According to the study, two thirds said they would be more inclined to use artificial technology if they were properly shown how to do so, with almost half saying their employer did not have any guidelines for its use within their organisation.
Professor Keiichi Nakata, from The World of Work Institute at Henley Business School, which commissioned the research, said: “This wide-scale study offers a valuable snapshot of how AI is being adopted across UK industries – and where support is still lacking. What stands out is the clear desire from professionals to engage with AI, but many simply don’t feel equipped to do so.
“Businesses must act now to provide the right training and guidance. Without in-house training, hands-on learning, and clear policies, we risk creating a workforce that’s willing to use AI but is not sure where to start.”
Despite wider discussions about job security and automation, it seems fears are subsiding, with 61% stating they are not so concerned about job losses. Instead, many are focusing on what AI can offer with, such as support with boring or repetitive tasks, better data interpretation, and smoother operations.
The study highlighted adoption trends for AI across the various sectors. While workers in publishing, HR, and IT emerged as early adopters of the new technology, those in retail and teaching remain more cautious. Furthmore, sales and transport professionals acknowledge AI’s value for daily tasks, but many are yet to use it in their day-to-day. Meanwhile, marketing, PR, science, and pharmaceutical industries tend to use AI occasionally or for experimental purposes.
On average, workers spend over three and a half hours using AI each week and while 54% view AI as a valuable addition to their workflow, many admit they are not using it to its full potential. Clear training gaps exist in law enforcement and transport, where workers highlight a lack of industry-specific support as a key barrier to adoption.
Transparency around AI use also differs across industries. While 74% of respondents claim to be open about their AI usage with employers, scientists were the least transparent, followed by workers in the charity and legal sectors. On the other hand, professionals in property and construction expressed concerns that their organisations are slow to embrace AI technology.
Professor Keiichi Nakata added: “Artificial intelligence is something that, when used strategically and responsibly, could be a transformative change in organisations across the UK.
“It has the ability to simplify complex tasks, take away the boring jobs, and enable workers to have more time to focus on the things that really matter.
“But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; it could prove to be a solution that not only helps businesses thrive but improves work satisfaction for employees.”
