Employees in UK businesses are optimistic about the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their jobs according to a nationwide study conducted by Genesys. The survey found nearly two-thirds of employees value new technological tools such as AI in the workplace. In fact, 64 per cent of UK employees say it makes them more effective and allows them to focus on other tasks.
The findings reveal an overwhelmingly positive outlook from employees, despite the negative headlines anticipating such technologies would replace humans in the workplace. More than two-thirds of employees say they do not feel threatened by technology at work. They do not expect the technology to become a threat anytime soon either, given that 59 per cent do not believe AI or bots will take their jobs within the next ten years. In fact, employees see AI as pivotal to business success with more than a fifth saying they believe AI or bots will be crucial to their company’s ability to stay competitive in the future.
“It’s encouraging that UK’s workers recognise the potential new technologies such as AI have to make their jobs more fulfilling and the value it can bring to businesses,” Steve Leeson, vice president for UK and Ireland for Genesys, said.
Even while the survey shows that people are more excited about AI technology than fearful, in the long-term they want assurances from their employers in the form of training. The research showed an overwhelming majority (86 per cent) of employees expect their employers to provide training that helps them prepare for an AI-enabled workplace.
“Some jobs will evolve as human work combines with the capabilities of AI,” Leeson added. “It’s increasingly important for companies to assess the need for training programs to help employees further skills like creativity, leadership and empathy, which AI just can’t replace.
Businesses that adopt a blended approach to artificial intelligence, where AI-technologies work in unison with employees, will get the best out of their technology investment and their skilled workforce.”
