New HP research reveals that AI is already driving productivity and cost gains, but barriers like security fears, skills gaps, and lack of strategy are slowing adoption
Highlights:
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72% of British employees using AI say it saves them time each week — yet over a quarter of businesses still lack a formal AI strategy
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Top barriers to adoption include security concerns (20%) and lack of AI expertise (14%); but 54% of business leaders say they would adopt AI more readily if built into employee devices
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AI is already driving results: 1 in 3 organisations using AI report 11%+ cost savings, and 38% of employees report improved work-life balance
AI is delivering real impact for British workers and businesses alike. According to surveys commissioned by HP Inc UK Limited and carried out by YouGov, 72% of employees surveyed who are using AI say it saves them time each week, with one in ten saving more than five hours. For many, this means spending less time on repetitive tasks and more time on higher-value work.
One in three business leaders whose organisations use AI report that it has already delivered more than 11% in cost savings, while almost half say it helps reduce time spent on admin tasks, and 34% say it has improved decision making and strategic planning.
Barriers Are Slowing Broader Adoption
Despite these early wins, not all businesses are keeping pace. While 44% of senior decision-makers surveyed expect AI to be fully embedded by 2027, over a quarter admit their business currently has no formal AI strategy in place. Common barriers include concerns over data security, a lack of internal expertise, and difficulty proving return on investment.
“AI is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a business imperative,” said Neil Sawyer, HP’s Managing Director for Northwest Europe. “Companies that fail to act now risk falling behind their competitors, losing productivity, and missing out on the efficiency gains AI is already delivering. By embedding AI directly into secure, familiar devices, organisations can overcome trust and usability challenges — and scale adoption with confidence.”
The research also shows that 54% of business leaders would be more likely to adopt AI if it was built into employee devices — allowing for more secure, seamless, and integrated use. Employees echo that need: many respondents say they’d use AI more if it was embedded in tools they already use (29%) or didn’t require an internet connection (10%).
AI PCs offer a direct path to overcoming these barriers — delivering built-in, device-level intelligence that enhances security, simplifies deployment, and positions organisations to scale AI with confidence.
AI Drives Performance and Engagement
While the business case for AI is clear, the human impact is equally compelling. The research shows that 38% of employees that use AI say it has improved their work-life balance, while 33% say it has reduced stress. Nearly one in four report increased job satisfaction, reinforcing the idea that AI isn’t just about doing more — it’s about working smarter and with greater purpose.
As AI reduces digital friction and automates routine tasks, employees gain space for deeper, more meaningful work. It’s not a tradeoff between efficiency and engagement — it’s a multiplier of both.
“AI empowers businesses to unlock unprecedented performance and foster creativity by automating mundane tasks, ultimately freeing up human capital to focus on strategic initiatives and achieve a healthier work-life balance,” said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst for the Enderle Group. “By handling routine processes and providing intelligent insights, AI enables employees to dedicate their energy to innovation and complex problem-solving, leading to greater job satisfaction and superior business outcomes.”
For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Two studies were undertaken, one among employees and another among senior decision makers. Business survey: Total sample size was 1010 decision makers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 14th – 23rd April 2025. Employees survey: Total sample size was 1055 British workers, of which 517 use AI at work. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th – 18th April 2025. Both surveys were carried out by YouGov online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of British business size and region.
