UK Workers Embrace AI’s Potential but Crave Training to Keep Up, Study Reveals

The World of Work Institute's Henley Business School study reveals a workforce at a pivotal juncture. Over half (56%) of UK professionals are excited about AI’s ability to enhance efficiency, with 37% expecting it to significantly improve productivity within five years, according to recent reports.

However, 61% feel daunted by the speed of AI’s advancements, a sentiment echoed across sectors like publishing, HR, and IT, where adoption is surging, and in retail and teaching, where hesitation persists.

This “FOBO” phenomenon reflects a shift from earlier fears of job obsolescence to cautious curiosity, with 26% of workers describing their attitude as cautious and 23% as curious. The study suggests that while workers are open to AI, the lack of structured support is hindering confident integration.

Training: The Missing Link

A significant barrier to AI adoption is the lack of adequate training, with 60% of respondents indicating they would use AI more if proper guidance were available. Nearly a quarter (24%) report insufficient employer support, and 49% note the absence of formal AI guidelines in their workplaces.

Professor Keiichi Nakata, director of AI at The World of Work Institute, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this gap: “Businesses must act now to provide in-house training, hands-on learning, and clear policies.”

Without these, he warns, the UK risks a workforce eager but ill-equipped to leverage AI. Industries like property and construction lag in embracing AI, while scientists and legal professionals show lower transparency about their AI use, highlighting varied adoption challenges.

Did You Know?
AI assistants are projected to save UK workers over two weeks annually by 2030, handling 3.5 hours of weekly admin tasks, according to earlier Henley Business School research.

AI’s Transformative Potential

Despite the challenges, AI’s ability to remake workplaces is undeniable. The study finds that 57% of workers expect to rely on AI in their daily roles within five years, with benefits like automating repetitive tasks (33%), improving data interpretation (30%), and streamlining operations (27%).

Professor Nakata envisions AI as a tool to “simplify complex tasks, eliminate mundane jobs, and free workers to focus on what matters.” Recent industry examples, such as AI-powered chatbots in financial services, demonstrate how AI can enhance job satisfaction by reducing manual workloads.

However, achieving such an outcome requires mindful implementation to address concerns about accuracy and cybersecurity, which 41% of workers cite as key worries.

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Call to Action for Employers

The study urges UK businesses to allocate resources towards AI training and infrastructure. While 74% of workers are open about using AI with their employers, sectors like charity and legal show less transparency, indicating a need for clearer policies.

With only 36% of workers concerned about job losses compared to 61% who are not, fears of automation are easing, but the demand for upskilling remains.

Research from Henley Business School underscores that strategic, responsible AI adoption could drive business success and enhance employee satisfaction, positioning AI as a catalyst for a more dynamic, fulfilling workplace.