Skip to content
ADVERTISEMENT
News

UK workforce faces widespread AI confidence crisis, research finds

New research revealed that UK employees are struggling with confidence in using AI at work, feeling under-trained yet eager to learn. 

2 min read
Share
UK workforce faces widespread AI confidence crisis, research finds
ADVERTISEMENT

UK employees are struggling with confidence in using artificial intelligence (AI) at work, according to a survey conducted by AI training provider AI Quest.

The research found that 74% expressed one of several concerns about using AI at work, including a lack of experience, overwhelmed feelings, and anxiety. 

75% of the 2,000 UK workers surveyed also said they did not fully grasp how to effectively use AI in their roles.

The World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs Report 2023’ predicted that 44% of job skills would change over the next five years, and 25% of jobs would transform within just two years.

Jonny Phillips, MD at Strive Training, said: “With AI playing a bigger role in the future of work, the findings emphasise the urgency of upskilling our workforce.

ADVERTISEMENT

“This isn’t just about keeping up with technology – it’s about making sure employees feel equipped to take on the jobs of tomorrow.

“As the WEF report highlights, reskilling and upskilling are not one-time efforts but an ongoing investment in our future workforce.

“It’s time for employers to step up and provide the support their teams need to thrive.”

ADVERTISEMENT

89% expressed an interest in learning how to integrate AI into their work if training were more engaging and accessible, but 40% said that they have received no AI training.

Among those who had, 23% said it fell short of their expectations, while 17% found it basic. 

ADVERTISEMENT

60% of the respondents said they would benefit from training that was either hands-on or covered real-world applications of AI, while 17% said they sought either more incentivised or gamified learning experiences.

ADVERTISEMENT

24% of workers felt encouraged by their colleagues’ AI skills, believing they too can improve their abilities; however, 13% felt intimidated or overwhelmed by the high expectations set by their peers’ proficiency.

Phillips added: “AI skills are becoming increasingly essential, offering the potential to transform job roles by streamlining tasks, enabling new opportunities for innovation, and unlocking opportunities for growth and profitability.

“By empowering teams to work smarter and enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, it can enhance both organisational performance and employee satisfaction.

“However, the gap in understanding how to use AI effectively impacts workers’ ability to perform their roles efficiently and find satisfaction in their work.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Practical, interactive training approaches, such as gamification and rewards, are crucial in making this transition smoother.” 

Related