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Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Over half of Brits are still feeling overwhelmed with AI
As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rise, it's becoming clear that its impact on the workplace is both game-changing and overwhelming for UK workers. The latest research from Henley Business School reveals that while optimism about AI's potential is on the rise, so is the feeling of being overwhelmed by its rapid development. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 4,640 adults across nearly 30 major sectors, commissioned by The World of Work Institute at Henley Business School, reveals that over half (56%) of full-time professionals feel optimistic about AI advancements, yet 61% admit they are overwhelmed by the pace of change. This sentiment has been captured by the term "FOBO" (Feeling Optimistic but Overwhelmed), which Henley Business School's research identifies as a key challenge facing today's workforce. The findings also indicate a clear shift in mindset: where fear of becoming obsolete once dominated conversations about AI, today's professionals are more likely to report curiosity, cautious optimism, and a willingness to adapt - even if they don't feel fully prepared. Respondents most commonly described their attitude toward AI as cautious (26%) or curious (23%). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, this growing openness is being met with a lack of structure. Despite AI's increasing use, nearly a quarter (24%) feel their employer isn't offering enough support - and 49% say there are no formal guidelines for AI use in their workplace at all, adding to the uncertainty. Henley Business School Training remains a critical barrier to wider AI adoption, with 60% of workers saying they'd be more inclined to use the technology if they were properly shown how to do so. Training gaps are particularly pronounced in fields such as law enforcement and transport, where professionals cite a lack of industry-specific support as a barrier to adoption. In-house training programmes, dedicated courses, and hands-on projects were cited as the most effective ways to build confidence. This need for support is especially urgent, as 57% of workers believe they'll become reliant on AI in their daily roles within the next five years — with 37% expecting it to significantly improve efficiency and productivity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Professor Keiichi Nakata, from The World of Work Institute at Henley Business School, which commissioned the research, 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.' Despite ongoing conversations around job security and automation, concerns appear to be easing. While 36% of those surveyed expressed worry about being replaced by AI, 61% said they are not concerned about job losses. Rather than fear, many are now focusing on the practical benefits: support with boring or repetitive tasks (33%), better data interpretation (30%), and smoother operations (27%). Of all respondents, the most common uses of AI are for assisting with research (35%), data analysis (33%), and generating content (32%). In fact, workers are engaging with AI for more than three and a half hours each week, on average. Although 54% see it as a valuable addition to their workflow, many admit they're not using it to its full potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, one third of respondents expressed frustration over AI's potential to make mistakes – underlining the importance of human oversight and thoughtful implementation. When it comes to openly using AI in the workplace, 74% of respondents claim they're open with their employer about their AI use – but this level of transparency varies by field. Scientists were the least open about their AI use, followed by workers in the charity and legal sectors. Meanwhile, professionals in property and construction expressed concern that their organisations are lagging in embracing the technology, according to the OnePoll data. Professor Keiichi Nakata from Henley Business School 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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.' Henley Business School, through its World of Work Institute, is helping professionals and organisations navigate this shift by offering practical guidance, research-driven insight, and tailored training designed to equip the workforce with the skills they need to integrate AI confidently and responsibly. As the future of work evolves, Henley Business School remains committed to supporting both individuals and businesses in making AI a tool for progress - aiding both employees and organisations. TOP SECTORS THAT EMBRACE AI 1. Information research and analysis 2. Information technology 3. Publishing and journalism 4. Recruitment and HR 5. Marketing, advertising and PR TOP SECTORS THAT REMAIN HESITANT OF AI 1. Retail 2. Teaching and education 3. Public services and administration 4. Property and construction
Business Mayor
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Half of Brits are optimistic about using AI in the workplace but say training is key
Two thirds of workers expect they will become more reliant on AI in their day-to-day roles within the next five years, with many expecting it to boost both efficiency and productivity. However a recent poll has revealed that despite the optimism, the majority of workers find the pace of change with the technology overwhelming to keep up with, highlighting a growing need for better training surrounding how to use it. The survey, involving 4,640 adults from nearly 30 different sectors, revealed that while interest in AI is high, knowledge on how to use it properly is limited. Training, or lack thereof, is cited as a significant hurdle to wider AI integration. According to the study, two thirds said they would be more inclined to use artificial technology if they were properly shown how to do so, with almost half saying their employer did not have any guidelines for its use within their organisation. Professor Keiichi Nakata, from The World of Work Institute at Henley Business School, which commissioned the research, 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.' Despite wider discussions about job security and automation, it seems fears are subsiding, with 61% stating they are not so concerned about job losses. Instead, many are focusing on what AI can offer with, such as support with boring or repetitive tasks, better data interpretation, and smoother operations. The study highlighted adoption trends for AI across the various sectors. While workers in publishing, HR, and IT emerged as early adopters of the new technology, those in retail and teaching remain more cautious. Furthmore, sales and transport professionals acknowledge AI's value for daily tasks, but many are yet to use it in their day-to-day. Meanwhile, marketing, PR, science, and pharmaceutical industries tend to use AI occasionally or for experimental purposes. On average, workers spend over three and a half hours using AI each week and while 54% view AI as a valuable addition to their workflow, many admit they are not using it to its full potential. Clear training gaps exist in law enforcement and transport, where workers highlight a lack of industry-specific support as a key barrier to adoption. Transparency around AI use also differs across industries. While 74% of respondents claim to be open about their AI usage with employers, scientists were the least transparent, followed by workers in the charity and legal sectors. On the other hand, professionals in property and construction expressed concerns that their organisations are slow to embrace AI technology. Professor Keiichi 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.' Read More AI knowledge gets your foot in the door READ SOURCE
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Two thirds of Brits to become more reliant on AI in next five years - but there's a problem
A new study has found that two thirds of workers are not concerned about AI taking their jobs, with many expected it to improve efficiency and productivity. A recent survey has revealed that two-thirds of workers anticipate becoming more dependent on artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily tasks within the next five years. Despite this, many find the rapid evolution of the technology overwhelming, and stress a need for training to help use it correctly. The poll, which surveyed 4,640 adults across nearly 30 major sectors, found that respondents are currently 'cautious' and 'curious' about AI. However, two-thirds of participants said they would be more likely to use AI if they were properly trained, with almost half saying their employer does not provide any guidelines for its use. In-house training programmes, dedicated courses, and hands-on projects were identified as the most effective methods to build confidence in using AI, according to the survey. Professor Keiichi Nakata from The World of Work Institute at Henley Business School, who commissioned the research, emphasised the importance of businesses providing appropriate training and guidance. He warned: "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." Despite the ongoing discussions about job security and automation, it seems that fears are subsiding, with 61% of people stating they're not concerned about losing their jobs to AI. Instead, many are focusing on the benefits that AI can bring. The study found that workers in the publishing, HR, and IT sectors were early adopters of AI, while those in retail and teaching have been more hesitant. Sales and transport/logistics professionals recognise the value of AI for daily tasks, but many haven't tried it. Meanwhile, public service and teaching professionals feel they're being left behind. On average, workers are interacting with AI for over three and a half hours each week, using it to assist with research (35%), data analysis (33%), and content generation (32%). and many say it helps automate boring and tedious tasks. But while the majority of those survey find AI useful, only three quarters of respondents say they're open with their employer about using it, although this level of transparency varies by field. Researchers were the most secretive about their use of AI, while charity and legal sector workers were also reluctant to disclose their reliance on the technology. In contrast, property and construction professionals expressed frustration that their industries are slow to adopt it. Professor Keiichi 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.'
