New research from EY reveals that while the UK public is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in their personal lives, barriers to adoption are preventing them from using the technology at work.
Findings from EY’s new global sentiment index revealed while 70 per cent of UK adults had used AI in their daily lives in the past six months, only 44 per cent utilised it in their professional roles, falling significantly below the global average of 67 per cent.
These findings coincide with a pivotal moment in the UK’s digital transformation journey as industries grapple with the fast-moving impacts of generative AI, but these findings discern a stark gap between personal and professional adoption of emerging technologies.
The study revealed a mere 19 per cent have seen AI meaningfully implemented in their working environment, pointing to a growing need for business leaders to bridge the AI trust gap and invest in clear, responsible strategies for adoption.
Despite the transformative potential of AI to unlock productivity, improve efficiency and reduce costs, hesitancy remains high for UK workers due to concerns around ethics, transparency and job security.
The report calls on UK businesses to align with government ambitions to lead in responsible AI development and seize the opportunity to upskill their workforce, ensuring that the UK remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.
Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director for Zoho UK, commented: “Artificial Intelligence is already having a transformative impact on business processes, driving efficiencies across areas such as customer experience which, as the research shows, consumers are benefitting from. However, the use and benefits of AI shouldn’t be restricted to tech staff or consumers. It’s important for businesses to adopt AI tools that support the day-to-day roles of all staff, automating mundane tasks and enabling them to focus on higher-impact activities.”
“To maximise AI’s benefits across the workplace and give staff the confidence to use these tools effectively, there should be comprehensive training frameworks to ensure workers at all levels understand its capabilities, risks and ethical implications.
Companies also need to consider a privacy-focused AI use policy to ensure customer and employee data privacy as well as to help alleviate one of the primary barriers seen with adoption in business.
Promoting AI literacy across education systems and upskilling programmes within businesses will equip staff with the tools to streamline tasks such as data analysis, fraud prevention and forecasting, driving new levels of productivity.”
“Effective AI governance should promote transparency in AI development and ensure that staff unlock its potential both in and out of the workplace.”
