Ryan FowlerA nationwide study by Adobe Express has revealed that AI tools are now being widely used across the UK, with 40% of adults saying they use artificial intelligence in both their personal and professional lives. The findings show a clear shift in attitudes, with AI helping people boost creativity, manage daily tasks, and reduce costs.
The survey, which polled over 1,000 adults, found that 72% of users saw a moderate to significant productivity boost, with nearly half saving up to four hours per week at home and a similar number reporting time savings at work. Around 12% said they save more than 10 hours a week thanks to AI.
Many are also saving money. More than half of respondents said AI tools were helping to cut costs, with 25% saving up to £50 per month. In cities like Glasgow and Southampton, users reported the biggest gains in both time and money.
Creative uses at home include recipe generation, fitness tracking, and online learning, while at work, professionals are using AI for content design, research, data analysis, and project management. In marketing and PR, 60% said they used AI mainly for creative tasks, while in sectors like business and law, it is used for data analysis and communication.
Despite the widespread benefits, adoption remains uneven. Just under a third (31%) of those surveyed said they still do not use AI at all, often citing concerns about data privacy or a lack of understanding. Subscription costs were also a barrier for 14% of non-users, while some feared losing personal skills by relying on automation.
Crispin Read, founder of The Coders Guild, recently highlighted that most UK SMEs rely on ‘accidental’ project managers and unstructured work habits, adding to national inefficiencies – a sentiment echoed in Adobe’s findings, which suggest AI could significantly ease admin burdens for individuals and businesses alike.
To help address the barriers, Adobe Express is promoting its free, intuitive tools that include AI-powered design templates, image generators, and scheduling aids. The platform aims to make creativity more accessible and help users manage both work and home life more efficiently.
