UK lags in workplace AI adoption, survey reveals disparity

A survey has found a sharp contrast between the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the daily lives of people in the UK compared to its uptake in workplace settings.

The EY AI Sentiment Index, which collected responses from 15,000 people in 15 countries, including the UK, shows that 70% of UK respondents have knowingly used AI in their daily lives over the past six months. This figure is below the global average of 82%.

Specific areas where UK respondents reported using AI include accessing customer support (32%), determining optimal travel or driving routes (20%), and researching or recommending products for purchase (14%).

The integration of AI in professional settings in the UK is notably lower than in other countries. According to the survey, just 44% of UK respondents have used AI at work, in contrast to a global average of 67%.

The survey indicated that, globally, 31% of people had used AI in the workplace for writing or editing content, 30% for learning about topics, and 27% for generating new ideas in the previous six months. In the UK, the proportion of respondents using AI for these purposes was typically lower, with 19% making use of AI for writing or editing content and 17% for generating new ideas. Usage was higher for career-related tasks such as supporting career aspirations (13%) and reviewing work outputs (14%).

Sentiment towards AI among UK respondents remains mixed, with overall confidence and enthusiasm for AI expressed at comparatively modest levels. The EY Sentiment Index, which measures personal comfort, perceived impact, and excitement for the future, assigns the UK a score of 54 out of 100. This is significantly lower than the global index average of 68.

When broken down by demographic group in the UK, Gen Z respondents scored 71, Millennials 67, Gen X 42, Baby Boomers 46, and the Silent Generation 42. The data suggests younger respondents have a more positive outlook towards AI than older generations.

The survey also tracked the perception of risk versus reward in AI adoption. In the UK, 38% of those questioned believe the benefits of AI are greater than its potential drawbacks, which is lower compared to the global average of 48%.

Concerns in the UK surrounding AI primarily focus on security and privacy. Among UK respondents, 71% listed security breaches as a key issue, 65% were worried about privacy violations, and 67% had concerns regarding the reliability of AI outputs.

Catriona Campbell, EY UK&I AI Client Strategy Leader, said: "AI's potential excites people as much as it concerns them. Leaders must tap into this enthusiasm whilst also addressing their concerns. The survey findings highlight the importance for businesses to consider integrating AI into daily operations to address potential skills gaps and improve efficiency.

"By building confidence and demonstrating the value of AI, we can bridge the adoption gap and ensure AI serves as a catalyst for innovation and progress in the UK."

The social impact of AI is another area of significant unease among respondents. The Index found that 41% of UK participants fear AI could lead to decreased intelligence among people, whilst 65% worry about potential negative effects on vulnerable or at-risk individuals.

Misinformation and manipulation were also identified as major concerns. Eighty per cent of respondents said they feared that AI-generated false information, such as deep fakes, could be misconstrued as fact. Additionally, 59% expressed apprehension about AI being used by organisations to influence thoughts and emotions.

The emergence of generative AI (GenAI) is further contributing to worry around the ability to distinguish between authentic and fabricated information. Seventy-one per cent of UK respondents reported greater unease in this area compared to the global rate of 67%.

Catriona Campbell added: "It is important to remember that AI adoption and sentiment are not uniform with demographic factors, such as age, education and geography playing an important role in how people are relating to AI.

"As AI continues to reshape our daily lives, it is crucial for business leaders to foster trust and transparency, empowering individuals to engage with AI on their own terms. This approach will not only enhance AI adoption but also position the UK at the forefront of technological advancement, driving economic growth and societal benefits."