UK businesses remain optimistic about AI investments despite pending regulatory changes.
- A significant 35.3% of UK employers are investing in GenAI technology.
- Research reveals that 40.4% of businesses plan to increase AI usage as a workplace tool.
- There is a divide as 30% of UK workers fear job redundancy due to AI.
- AI in payroll processes is emerging, yet not top priority, with 22% usage.
A recent study highlights that over a third of UK employers are moving forward with AI investments, showcasing their confidence in the technology despite uncertainties in the workforce. Specifically, 35.3% of companies are channeling resources into GenAI, while 40.4% aim to expand their application of this technology, signaling a proactive stance towards AI integration in business operations.
The study, encompassing 5,000 businesses and 18,000 employees across 18 European countries, positions the UK as one of the top nations investing in GenAI, only surpassed by Poland and Italy. This investment occurs at a time when the UK government is contemplating new regulations due to growing concerns from competition watchdogs about the AI industry.
Despite the enthusiasm from employers, employees express apprehension, with 30% anticipating potential job losses resulting from AI adoption. This sentiment points to a significant disconnect between organizational ambitions and employee concerns regarding job security and the evolving AI landscape in the workplace.
AI’s role is progressively noted in payroll processes, with 22% of organizations utilizing AI technologies. However, AI ranks low on priority lists for payroll functionalities, despite its deployment in monitoring legislation, data validation, and anomaly detection. Poland and Italy lead in implementing AI within payroll.
Laura Miller, the UK People Country Leader at SD Worx, emphasizes the need for leadership in managing AI transitions, advocating for effective change management and upskilling. This approach is crucial to address the mixed reactions toward AI and to foster an environment where both business objectives and employee sentiments are aligned.
The findings underscore a critical need for balanced AI integration strategies that consider both business ambitions and workforce concerns.
