UK workplace AI adoption stalls, risking GBP £400 billion goal

Research from WalkMe reveals an AI adoption gap among UK office workers, raising questions over the impact of current investments in workplace AI and the viability of government ambitions for AI-powered economic growth.

The findings indicate that almost half of UK office workers do not use AI tools at all, while the majority of those who do use AI at work are doing so without their employers' knowledge, a practice known as shadow AI. According to the report, 77% of employees who use AI at work are engaging in shadow AI, often motivated by the view that company-approved AI tools do not provide sufficient benefits or are not user-friendly.

Shadow AI and scepticism

The new research, based on a survey of 1,210 UK office workers, highlights a workforce divided along lines of AI adoption. While shadow AI is prolific-77% of workplace AI users remain hidden in their usage-it is not without consequences. Many such users report facing disciplinary measures for unauthorised AI usage. Notably, 66% of employees found the AI provided by their organisations did not help them work faster or grant more free time. This lack of perceived utility has pushed employees to seek alternative AI solutions.

The study also reveals widespread scepticism: 42% of employees reported not using AI at all. The reasons cited include inadequate skills and insufficient training, with the issue more pronounced among women. Almost half (48%) of women said they do not use AI at work, compared to 37% of men.

Both groups-those avoiding AI entirely and those turning to shadow applications-are not using the approved and costly AI solutions supplied by their employers. The report cautions that this disconnect poses a significant barrier to achieving the government's target of GBP £400 billion in AI-driven economic growth by 2030.

Skills and training barriers

The research attributes part of the adoption gap to misconceptions and training shortcomings. A prevailing belief among employees is that advanced IT skills are required for effective and safe AI usage, a view held by 61% of all office workers and 68% of those already using AI. Additionally, 30% believe that AI should remain the domain of IT professionals.

Training provision is also highlighted as inadequate, with half of AI users reporting difficulties in acquiring necessary skills. Of these, 22% stated they had to teach themselves to use AI due to a lack of formal training, while 21% were uncertain about what training they should seek.

Perceptions of AI's benefits differ significantly between users and sceptics. While 43% of AI users felt it made them appear more productive and 40% believed it made them look smarter, sceptics were more likely to view AI as making users seem less capable, lazy, or replaceable.

The human factor in AI-driven ROI

"The Government says AI could add £400 billion to the UK economy by 2030 by enhancing innovation and productivity in the workplace. But simply investing in and deploying AI is not enough. Many businesses are criminally overlooking the human factor," said Vivek Behl, VP Strategy at WalkMe.

"Our research shows that on both sides of the pond, businesses are not giving employees AI that is usable and trustworthy. In turn, they're wasting valuable time policing shadow AI, and having to deal with a workplace that operates at two different speeds. The AI skeptics are dragging their feet and holding back adoption, meaning the business will not unlock expected ROI from the millions being invested in AI, while the secret users will risk compliance breaches. Without clear guidance on how to use AI at work specific to what employees are trying to achieve, productivity and quality will suffer."

Behl notes that return on investment in AI is not primarily hindered by technical limitations, but rather by human factors including lack of proper guidance, governance, and enablement.

Addressing adoption barriers

The survey disclosed that two-thirds of those using AI at work were unsatisfied with how and when they received AI assistance, finding it too isolated from their workflow to be truly helpful. Respondents said the technology did not make their jobs faster or more efficient, nor did it result in more free time.

To address these frustrations, the report suggests that AI needs to be integrated more seamlessly into daily routines, providing on-demand guidance and automation when required, and that employees should not bear sole responsibility for adapting their work to fit AI.

While the adoption gap is considerable, potential for improvement remains: almost half (49%) of non-users admitted there is nothing preventing them from using AI. The findings suggest that with clearer explanation and easier access, a significant increase in AI uptake is possible.

Encouraging digital adoption

"There's nothing stopping these people from using AI - but in some businesses there's nothing encouraging them, either," added Vivek Behl.

"This means digital adoption needs to be a top priority. Businesses need to give their employees the contextual, timely guidance that will enable them to harness the power of AI at work. Until they take this step, businesses will fall further behind in the AI revolution, leaving employees' long-term career prospects limited."

The survey was carried out by Opinium among UK office workers.