Workers optimistic but overwhelmed by AI - study

More than 4,500 workers took part in the research

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workplace is both game-changing and overwhelming for UK workers, a study has found.

More than 4,500 people from almost 30 different employment sectors were polled as part of the research, which was commissioned by Henley Business School.

It found that 56% of full-time professionals were optimistic about AI advancements, while 61% said they were overwhelmed by the speed at which the technology developed.

Prof Keiichi Nakata, from Henley Business School, said the study showed many workers "don't feel equipped" to use AI.

Prof Nakata is director of AI at The World of Work Institute at the school, which is part of the University of Reading, and helps organisations get to grips with the technology.

"This wide-scale study offers a valuable snapshot of how AI is being adopted across UK industries - and where support is still lacking," he said.

"Without in-house training, hands-on learning, and clear policies, we risk creating a workforce that's willing to use AI but is not sure where to start."

The study found that three in five people polled said they would be more likely to use AI at work if proper training were available.

But nearly a quarter of respondents said their employers currently were not providing enough support.

Prof Nakata said the technology "could be a transformative change in organisations across the UK".

He said AI could "simplify complex tasks, take away the boring jobs, and enable workers to have more time to focus on the things that really matter".

"But that's just the tip of the iceberg; it could prove to be a solution that not only helps businesses thrive but improves work satisfaction for employees," he added.