UK employees increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to boost productivity

UK employees are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their work experience, often utilising tools without the direct awareness of their employers. According to the latest annual State of Hybrid Work Report released by Owl Labs, nearly half of UK workers—49%—are engaging in what has been termed ‘bring your own AI’ (BYO-AI) or Shadow AI initiatives. This trend is reflective of a broader movement towards integrating AI into workplace practices, with a significant 68% of employees reportedly using AI tools regularly in their daily tasks.

The rising adoption of these tools is particularly pronounced among younger workers. The data indicates that 63% of Generation Z and Millennial employees, who fall within the 18 to 43 age bracket, utilise AI tools at least once a week. In contrast, only 43% of Generation X and Baby Boomer employees, aged 44 and above, say the same. As employees assert more control over their productivity, AI is increasingly viewed as an essential asset in streamlining workflows across various industries.

Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, remarked, “As hybrid work becomes the norm, workforces are shifting from merely experimenting with AI tools to actively using them to boost productivity and efficiency in their everyday work.” He emphasised that the integration of AI should be deliberate and secure to mitigate associated risks and called for a structured approach that enables staff to confidently utilise these technologies in both remote and in-office settings.

However, challenges remain. The report reveals that a significant proportion of employees—41%—have reported issues related to inadequate IT support, with three-quarters citing lost productivity during meetings due to various technical difficulties. Hybrid meetings also often complicate communication, as nearly 73% of employees experience audio distortion, and 72% struggle to see visual cues from colleagues due to camera-related issues.

Despite the eagerness of employees to embrace AI technologies, many organisations are yet to optimise their support systems. Only 20% of surveyed organisations updated their meeting technology in 2024, a statistic that could hinder productivity since 83% of workers assert that access to quality technology is essential for effective work.

In response to these challenges, some employers have begun to adopt monitoring tools, with over a third introducing or escalating their use of such software. This move occurs amidst rising employee sentiment, as 86% of workers believe there should be a legal requirement for employers to disclose the use of monitoring technologies.

On a more positive note, 41% of surveyed employees reported that their employers had adopted AI within the past year to enhance their roles. For companies to navigate the growing reliance on AI effectively, experts recommend developing comprehensive AI training, policies, and governance structures designed to ensure that all levels of staff can leverage these tools productively.

Overall, as AI applications continue to expand within hybrid working environments, businesses are advised to establish frameworks that support robust AI integration while simultaneously equipping employees with the necessary skills to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services