UK: One Third of Employees Expect an "AI Dividend"

Key Takeaways

1One third of British employees expect a pay rise if AI generates profits for their company

249% fear an increased workload and 50% dread automated evaluations

353% feel they lack time to train in AI

4The government aims to train 10 million workers by 2030

Why it matters : Salary expectations and concerns about training and workload show that the acceptance of AI depends on sharing its benefits and providing appropriate support.

One third of the more than 2,000 employees surveyed in the UK hope for a salary increase if AI generates measurable gains. At the same time, 49% fear an increased workload and 50% worry about performance monitoring, while 53% say they lack time for training. In light of this gap, Cheryl Brennan (Howden) calls for action on compensation, progression, and transparency, as the government plans to train 10 million workers by 2030.

Calls to Action and Public Training Announced

Cheryl Brennan, CEO of Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing, believes there is a misalignment of expectations that needs to be addressed to improve the chances of successful AI integration. She calls for engaging in dialogue and taking action on compensation, progression, and transparency, keeping employees informed and giving them access to the benefits of AI. Howden also reminds employers of their responsibility towards workers. Meanwhile, the UK government plans to train 10 million workers in AI by 2030, but the uptake of these initiatives remains low.

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What Employees Expect from Productivity Gains

One third of workers in the UK expect a salary increase if AI enables their employer to achieve productivity gains or savings. Among other expectations, 16% hope for shorter working hours, 15% for enhanced job security, and 13% for a bonus. A general acceptance of AI is evident among the more than 2,000 employees surveyed, provided that its benefits are also shared with the employees.

Increased Workload and Automated Rating Feared

Nearly half of employees (49%) are concerned about having to take on more tasks due to the time savings generated by AI. Half (50%) also fear that AI will be used to evaluate their performance. Another study showed that some workers feel pressured to use AI, even without perceiving the benefits, to meet their managers' expectations.

Deployments Considered Too Rapid and Need for Dedicated Time

Many companies have yet to introduce AI into their work environment. One in two employees fears that AI will be deployed faster than they can assimilate it, and 53% report lacking time to acquire new skills in addition to their current workload. Access to training is not enough: comprehensive support, including dedicated learning time, is deemed necessary.