The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces across the globe, bringing with it both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, it's crucial to consider its impact on the UK workforce and ensure a future where the benefits of AI are shared equitably.
Based on data from a global survey of 12,000 individuals, including over 800 workers in the UK, and an analysis of over three million job profiles, our new Workmonitor report, "Understanding Talent Scarcity: AI & Equity," provides a nuanced view of AI adoption and highlights the need for inclusive skills development.
The evolving landscape of AI adoption: a generational and gender divide
Our research reveals a complex picture of AI adoption in the UK, marked by both potential and challenges. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are embracing AI more readily, recognising its potential to enhance their work. This is reflected in the data: while 46% of Gen Z and Millennials use AI daily or weekly, only 24% of Baby Boomers do the same. This generational gap highlights a need for targeted training initiatives that address the specific needs of older workers and bridge the skills divide.
Bridging this gap requires more than just technical training. It necessitates a shift in mindset, encouraging older generations to see AI not as a threat, but as a tool to enhance their skills and productivity. Organisations can achieve this by creating a supportive environment where older workers feel comfortable exploring AI, receiving personalised training, and having access to ongoing support.
Furthermore, men are significantly more likely than women to use AI regularly for work-related tasks. This disparity is evident across various AI applications:
- Non-administrative tasks: Over half (53%) of respondents reported using AI to complete non-administrative tasks more quickly, such as creating content, writing emails, or making decisions. Men are more likely to use AI in this way (53% vs. 41% of women).
- Admin support: 42% of respondents used AI for administrative tasks, including taking notes, filling in timesheets, scheduling meetings, or data analysis. Again, men are more likely to utilise AI for these tasks (49% vs. 36% of women).
- Problem-solving: Nearly half of respondents (48%) have used AI to problem-solve at work, with men more likely to use AI for this purpose (48% vs. 36% of women).
These disparities underscore the urgent need to address the underrepresentation of women in the AI workforce. Proactive interventions that focus on increasing women's access to AI training and development opportunities, fostering confidence and leadership in the field, are crucial to ensuring a more equitable future. This might involve targeted mentoring programmes for women pursuing AI education, and initiatives that encourage them to explore careers where utilising AI is more common.
Balancing innovation and equity
While 48% of respondents believe AI can be used to enhance equity in the workplace, reducing bias in recruitment and providing personalised learning and development programmes, concerns remain about potential bias and the need for a human-led approach alongside AI.
63% of respondents believe AI must be used alongside human-led methods, including ethical guidelines, robust policies, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, to effectively reduce inequality.
The need for a thoughtful and ethical approach to AI adoption cannot be overstated. Organisations must proactively address potential bias, ensuring transparency in AI algorithms and implementing mechanisms for accountability and oversight. This requires establishing clear ethical frameworks for AI use, ensuring diverse representation in AI development teams, and regularly evaluating the impact of AI on various aspects of the workplace. Furthermore, building a more inclusive AI ecosystem requires actively seeking out and supporting diverse voices in the development and application of AI technologies. This involves investing in organisations and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the AI field, providing mentorship and support for underrepresented groups, and ensuring that AI technologies are designed and implemented in a way that considers the needs of all users.
Addressing the growing demand for AI Skills through upskilling
The demand for AI skills is rapidly growing, with 58% of respondents believing upskilling in tech skills, such as AI, will be essential for their roles in the next five years. Despite this, less than half (46%) report having access to equal opportunities to upskill in AI. Furthermore, a concerning fifth (19%) of respondents stated that they would leave their jobs if their employer did not offer AI upskilling, underscoring the urgency of addressing this skills gap.
To meet this rising demand, employers must invest in comprehensive solutions, prioritising training that is accessible to all employees, regardless of age, gender, or background. Investing in training programmes that cater to specific needs, providing opportunities for continuous learning, and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptation will be critical to bridging the AI skills gap. This includes:
- Developing customised training: Offer a variety of AI training programmes tailored to different learning styles, experience levels, and career goals
- Prioritising accessibility: Make AI training readily available and accessible to all employees, regardless of location or disability
- Encouraging continuous learning: Create a culture of ongoing education and development where employees are encouraged to stay abreast of the latest AI advancements
- Investing in internal AI expertise: Develop internal AI experts and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and ongoing training to employees.
Unlocking the potential of AI for a more equitable future
By investing in inclusive AI training and development programmes, creating a more inclusive AI ecosystem, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to embrace and learn about AI, we can ensure that the UK workforce is prepared to navigate the AI revolution and reap its benefits. This requires a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and continuous learning, as we build a future where AI empowers individuals, strengthens businesses, and fuels a more equitable and prosperous society.
To explore the findings in more depth and access insight into way to drive equity in AI adoption, download the full report “understanding talent scarcity: AI & equity” below: