The majority of UK business leaders (70 per cent) have strong levels of trust in AI, according to new research by Jabra.
However, the study also found that very few UK office workers (23 per cent) are actually using it in their daily roles or even their personal lives (25 per cent).
This disconnect suggests that even though leaders are optimistic about AI’s potential, they may yet lack the necessary vision or skills to effectively implement it across the workforce, the report surmised.
The study of 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across six countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries has highlighted that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there’s a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its use in the workplace.
In the UK, 84 per cent of UK decision-makers express strong interest in AI. The UK is among the top countries with highest intent to plan additional budget for AI (53 per cent). This is above the global average (49 per cent).
Nearly two-thirds of decision-makers (64 per cent), along with 46 per cent of employees, believe that AI can improve their work. Yet, the vast majority (83 per cent) of leaders acknowledge that they need to better understand the workplace benefits and how AI can improve efficiency. Almost half of employees (47 per cent) regard AI as a buzzword used by every company at the moment.
The report concluded that this lack of understanding has left many business leaders in a wait and see phase – engaging in much discussion, but taking little concrete action.
Without a well-defined roadmap, employees are struggling to understand how AI will be integrated into their daily tasks and the broader company strategy. More than one third of UK employees are afraid that AI is coming for their job (37 per cent).
Jabra’s study has also revealed some additional challenges and demographic considerations that are hindering AI’s adoption:
• 85 per cent UK of employees wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these tasks that are considered more meaningful.
• Globally, there’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47 per cent of Millennials and 37 per cent of Gen Z indicating that they feel positive about AI versus only 15 per cent of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day-to-day at work, versus just 15 per cent of Boomers.
• Across the world, AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58 per cent are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71 per cent are not from the IT department.
Paul Sephton, head of brand communications at Jabra, said, “We see many UK organisations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organisations to recognise how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.
“To avoid what we call ‘AI-washing’ – simply jumping on the AI bandwagon – organisations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. AI’s implementation must be thoughtful – it’s not just there to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.”
