More than three-quarters of UK office workers don’t use AI

New research from Jabra, a global leader in enterprise audio and video solutions, reveals that while UK leaders (70%) have strong levels of trust in AI, very few UK office workers (23%) are using it in their daily roles, or even their personal lives (25%). This disconnect suggests that even though leaders are optimistic about AI’s potential, they may yet lack the necessary vision or skills to effectively implement it across the workforce.

The study, conducted among 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across 6 countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, highlights that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there is a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its actual use in the workplace.

In the UK, 84% of UK decision-makers express strong interest in AI. The UK is among the top countries with highest intent to plan additional budget for AI (53%) alongside Germany, with India leading the way followed by Japan. This is above the global average (49%).

Nearly two-thirds of decision-makers (64%), along with 46% of employees, believe AI can improve their work. Yet, the vast majority (83%) of leaders acknowledge that they need to better understand the workplace benefits and how AI can improve efficiency. Nearly half of employees (47%) see AI as a buzzword used by every company at the moment.

This lack of understanding has left many business leaders in a ‘wait and see’ phase – engaging in much discussion but taking little concrete action.

Without a well-defined roadmap, employees are struggling to understand how AI will be integrated into their daily tasks and the broader company strategy. More than a third of UK employees are afraid that AI is coming for their job (37%).

Jabra’s study reveals additional challenges and demographic considerations that are hindering adoption of AI:

85% UK of employees wouldn't trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these tasks that are considered more meaningful.

Globally, there’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47% of Millennials and 37% of Gen Z indicating they feel positive about AI versus only 15% of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28% of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day to day at work, versus just 15% of Boomers.

Around the world, AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58% are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71% are not from the IT department.

Paul Sephton, Head of Brand Communications at Jabra, said: "We see many UK organisations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organisations to recognise how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.”

“To avoid what we call “AI-washing” - simply jumping on the AI bandwagon - organisations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. AI’s implementation must be thoughtful – it’s not just there to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level."