Recent research from CYPHER Learning highlights a troubling trend in the UK workforce: workers are falling behind in training for Artificial Intelligence (AI), potentially compromising their competitive edge. The study surveyed 4,543 individuals across various industries in the UK, the US, and Mexico, uncovering a significant digital divide in AI adoption and training among workers.
While AI is transforming workplaces globally by taking over repetitive tasks and enhancing productivity, UK workers are reportedly benefiting less from these advancements compared to their counterparts in other countries. Alarmingly, 33% of UK respondents expressed a desire to see AI completely banned from their workplaces, a stark contrast to the optimism seen in countries like the US and Mexico.
The findings indicate that 63% of workers from the three nations acknowledge that AI technologies have already altered the skills needed for their jobs. Over half (52%) anticipate that AI will either “totally transform” or have a “major impact” on their roles within the next two years. Additionally, 38% believe they will need retraining as their current skill sets may become obsolete, and 45% have expressed concerns about job security owing to the rise of AI.
Despite these worries, many UK workers maintain a hopeful perspective on AI integration. According to the survey, 67% consider AI a “friend” rather than a foe, with 41% actively using Generative AI (GenAI) in their work. More than two-fifths (46%) reported that AI simplifies their tasks, and 43% noted it helps them manage administrative responsibilities, freeing them to focus on more valuable work.
However, the study starkly reveals that not all employees are reaping the same benefits. Younger workers, men, and those in senior management roles are far more likely to engage with AI technologies. In contrast, women, individuals over 55, and those in manual or clerical positions reported feeling less impact from AI tools. This creates a concerning disparity within the workforce that needs urgent attention.
The demand for clearer AI guidelines in the workplace is evident, with 69% of respondents expressing the need for well-defined policies. Furthermore, 33% of employees believe AI should be banned, and 25% admitted to using AI without informing their supervisors. These statistics illustrate a workforce grappling with the implications of AI adoption, lacking the necessary guidance to navigate this transformation.
Industry experts echo these sentiments. Graham Glass, Founder and CEO of CYPHER Learning, remarked that while technological advancements, such as AI, have historically altered workplace dynamics, they ultimately yield long-term benefits. Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer at Brandon Hall Group, emphasized that AI is not merely about automating tasks; it is about enhancing the workforce. Rochelle pointed out that the true potential of AI lies in its capability to improve employee experience and generate actionable insights that drive performance.
Looking ahead, 73% of workers believe that proficiency in AI skills will be critical for their roles in the next five years, with 45% labeling such skills as either “essential” or “very important.” However, the reality is concerning: only 25% of employees have received any form of AI training. The gap is particularly stark among different demographics, where only 11% of those over 55 have undergone AI training, compared to 30% of younger workers aged 18 to 44. The gender disparity is pronounced as well, with 36% of men having received training versus just 18% of women, and 58% of senior management compared to only 11% of manual and clerical workers.
Concerns regarding inadequate training methods further compound the issue. Nearly half (48%) of surveyed workers expressed anxiety about their company’s investment—or lack thereof—in technology skills training. Additionally, 46% of respondents struggle to keep up with necessary tech skills, and 53% find their training outdated.
Graham Glass reaffirmed the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning in response to the burgeoning presence of AI in the workplace. Employees often feel overwhelmed by technology when training is not tailored to their roles. For instance, understanding the purpose of AI and how to assess its outputs may be more beneficial for some workers than extensive technical training. By providing practical, relevant training, organizations can better equip their employees for the evolving landscape of work.
In conclusion, the research from CYPHER Learning reveals significant gaps in AI training among UK workers, undermining their potential in a rapidly changing job market. Addressing these disparities will require concerted efforts to develop clear policies, enhance training programs, and ensure that all employees have equitable access to the opportunities that AI offers.
