British entrepreneurs embrace the use of artificial intelligence, contrasted with employee apprehension
In the dynamic landscape of UK workplaces, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent, significantly impacting recruitment efficiency, employee job prospects, and digital literacy development.
Recruitment Efficiency:
Approximately 45% of UK employers use AI tools in hiring and onboarding, employing AI to enhance objectivity and speed by automating routine aspects like CV screening and candidate assessment. This shift towards AI is not met with resistance, as 80% of employers approve of AI-assisted applications, reflecting a move towards AI as a collaborative aid rather than a threat. However, while AI adoption in recruitment is rising, only 11% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) report full organizational AI integration, suggesting ongoing maturation of AI use.
Employee Job Prospects:
AI adoption is reshaping UK jobs, with over 30% of roles now involving automation. While job displacement concerns exist, many roles are redefined rather than eliminated, creating new opportunities for reskilling. Younger workers, especially Gen Z, show both concern about AI’s impact and practical adoption, with about one-third using AI in work tasks.
Digital Literacy and Workforce Adaptation:
Organisations are increasingly merging HR and IT functions to ensure AI implementation includes human oversight and personalized development. This shift supports digital literacy growth, with strategic HR models and internal training academies aiming to align workforce skills with AI-driven transformation. Usage data shows about 40% of UK workers engage with AI at work, indicating a critical need for improving digital literacy across generations and regions.
The global hiring platform Indeed, in partnership with YouGov, conducted a survey of more than 3,400 employees, senior leaders, and HR decision makers in the UK. The survey found that 60% of senior leaders see increased demand for tech skills as a major trend shaping the job market. Digital literacy was identified as the most important future skill, cited by 69% of HR decision makers. AI proficiency is a top skill for the coming decade, cited by over half of all groups.
However, employees are more likely to fear that AI will lead to deskilling rather than upskilling, with 47% believing it will result in deskilling. Senior leaders are more divided on this issue, with 38% believing it will lead to upskilling and 37% believing it will lead to deskilling. Burnout, workload, and work-life balance top the list of concerns across all groups.
Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed, commented that businesses should invest in trust, transparency, and employee wellbeing as they adopt AI to boost productivity. Usage of AI is more frequent among senior leaders, with 22% using AI daily and more than three quarters (77%) using it at least weekly.
The survey was released at Indeed's flagship FutureWorks event in London, designed to help HR and talent leaders navigate the evolving UK hiring landscape. As AI continues to permeate workplaces, it is crucial for businesses to prioritise employee development, digital literacy, and a balanced work environment to ensure a smooth transition into this new era of efficiency and adaptation.
- In the light of the survey by Indeed and YouGov, digital literacy, particularly AI proficiency, has been identified as a crucial skill shaping the future job market by 69% of HR decision makers in the UK.
- While approximately 45% of UK employers are already using AI for recruitment, only 11% of CIOs have fully integrated AI in their organizations, according to the survey, indicating a need for ongoing maturation of AI use for career advancement opportunities.
- To maintain a balanced work environment during AI integration, businesses should prioritize employee development, personal growth, and self-development in education and training centers, as noted by Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed, to ensure a smooth transition into the new era of workplaces that prioritize efficiency and adaptation.
