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56% of workers optimistic but overwhelmed by AI advancements – Henley Business School

When asked how they would describe their approach to AI, 26% of respondents said they were cautious and 23% said they were curious.

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56% of workers optimistic but overwhelmed by AI advancements – Henley Business School
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56% of full-time UK workers feel optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI) but 61% said they are overwhelmed by how fast it is changing, research from Henley Business School has found.

The research referred to this as “FOBO” – feeling optimistic but overwhelmed.

The survey also showed that attitudes towards AI are shifting, as most people are now less worried about being replaced and more open to engaging with the technology. 

When asked how they would describe their approach to AI, 26% of respondents said they were cautious and 23% said they were curious.

However, 24% said their employer was not providing enough support for AI and 49% said there were no formal guidelines for using AI at work.

Training was also flagged as a key issue, with 60% saying they would use AI more if they were shown how. 

Research also revealed that the most popular ways to improve confidence in AI were in-house training, dedicated courses and hands-on projects. 

The need for this support is pressing, as 57% believed they would rely on AI in their daily jobs within five years, and 37% expected it to make them more efficient and productive.

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Keiichi Nakata, professor at the world of work institute at Henley Business School, said: “This wide-scale study offers a valuable snapshot of how AI is being adopted across UK industries – and where support is still lacking. 

“What stands out is the clear desire from professionals to engage with AI, but many simply don’t feel equipped to do so. 

“Businesses must act now to provide the right training and guidance. Without in-house training, hands-on learning, and clear policies, we risk creating a workforce that’s willing to use AI but is not sure where to start.”

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Research also showed that concerns about job security eased, with 36% worried about being replaced by AI and 61% not concerned.

Instead, many said they were now focusing on AI’s practical benefits, such as help with boring or repetitive tasks (33%), better data interpretation (30%), and smoother operations (27%).

The most common uses of AI were research (35%), data analysis (33%), and generating content (32%). 

On average, workers are using AI for more than three and a half hours each week. 

Although 54% saw AI as useful in their work, many did not feel they were using it to its full potential. 

A third of people mentioned frustration when AI makes mistakes, highlighting the need for human oversight.

When it comes to telling employers about their AI use, 74% said they were open about it, but this varies by sector. 

Scientists were the least open, followed by those in charity and legal professions. 

Nakata added: “Artificial intelligence is something that, when used strategically and responsibly, could be a transformative change in organisations across the UK. 

“It has the ability to simplify complex tasks, take away the boring jobs, and enable workers to have more time to focus on the things that really matter. 

“But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; it could prove to be a solution that not only helps businesses thrive but improves work satisfaction for employees.”

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