UK bosses see AI reshaping work but not cutting jobs

UK business leaders expect artificial intelligence to reshape work without cutting jobs, according to new research from workplace software firm monday.com.

The survey of directors at large organisations found that 78% of UK respondents do not expect AI to reduce headcount in their teams next year. Almost a third, 32%, expect it will lead to more hiring.

Most directors see AI as a way to change the type of work people do rather than replace them. Many expect AI systems to take on routine activity. They expect people to focus more on higher-value tasks and new specialist roles.

The research covers 500 directors across the UK and US at organisations with more than 500 employees. The findings for the UK indicate that AI use is now widespread and embedded in daily operations.

High daily use

AI tools are now standard in many UK workplaces. The study found that 95% of UK directors use AI at work and 80% use it every day. Seven in ten describe themselves as advanced or expert users.

Directors say the debate has moved on from whether they should use AI. They now focus on the quality of that use. They highlight how tools connect, how reliable they are, how teams build skills, and where automation fits into everyday workflows.

More than half of UK directors, 52%, say AI is significantly embedded in their company's mission. Almost four in ten, 39%, report having a dedicated AI or innovation team that leads adoption across the organisation.

Leaders also report high confidence among staff. The research found that 82% of UK directors believe employees are receptive to AI. Seventy per cent say staff are clearly proficient in using AI tools.

Directors express strong confidence in their own ability to put AI strategies into practice. Ninety-five per cent say they can turn their company's AI vision into actionable work. The same share who call themselves advanced or expert users see this as part of their role in shaping AI use.

Revenue and productivity focus

The report links this adoption to financial results. Just over half of UK directors, 51%, say AI has delivered new revenue or new revenue streams this year.

Directors now want AI to address core operational pressures. Sixty per cent say their priority is faster and more efficient processes. Fifty-five per cent want AI to improve the accuracy and quality of work.

Many leaders also plan to expand AI into new offerings. Just over half, 52%, say ambitions to develop new AI products or services are shaping their adoption plans for next year.

Ben Barnett, Regional Vice President, UK&I at monday.com, said the research shows a step-change in how UK directors think about AI.

"The UK market is past the experimentation stage - leaders are using AI with intent. What stands out is the confidence: directors feel equipped, teams are receptive, and capability is rising fast. But the real shift is in mindset. UK directors say the question isn't about replacing people, but about how AI can help them do more of what matters. The next step is clear: expectations are rising, and AI will need to meet a higher standard to support the ambition and talent already driving the UK forward," said Barnett.

Rise of AI agents

The concept of a "digital workforce" is gaining ground. Seventy-nine per cent of UK directors say they are familiar with the idea. Ninety-three per cent say it is important that their organisation uses AI agents to automate tasks and workflows.

Leaders expect agents to carry out longer chains of activity rather than single tasks. They see pressure points in data-heavy and coordination roles. Twenty-four per cent cite data analysis and reporting as a valuable use case for AI agents. Twenty per cent highlight project coordination.

Directors expect AI agents to take on predictable layers of work. They expect people to focus more on direction, innovation and judgement. They also see new responsibilities for teams as AI systems mature. Staff will need to maintain, refine and train agents so they meet organisational standards.

Integration challenges

Despite high usage, UK directors see significant barriers to wider AI use. Many report a fragmented tool landscape and unresolved security issues.

More than half of leaders, 56%, say they use a mix of approved and unapproved AI tools. The same share frequently switch between multiple platforms to complete tasks. Many say this creates friction and slows work down.

Directors see data privacy and security as the most common barrier. Forty-three per cent cite these concerns as a brake on AI adoption. A further 34% doubt the reliability or accuracy of AI outputs. Twenty-seven per cent point to the complexity of having too many tools.

Policy and governance have not kept pace with usage. Only 42% of UK directors say their organisation has fully established AI guidelines in place. They highlight gaps in rules for security and data handling.

Trust in current tools remains limited. Only a quarter of directors, 25%, say they completely trust the AI systems they use today.

Many organisations are now looking at embedded AI within existing software. Forty-eight per cent of UK directors say their organisation is exploring AI that connects more closely with their workflows. They see closer integration as a way to regain control over accuracy, security and data flows.

Confidence in future gains is high. Ninety per cent of UK directors believe that with more joined-up AI tools in place, their teams' performance will rise significantly over the next 12 months.