A report from online learning provider GoodHabitz has revealed that 6.31 million UK employees, representing 19 percent of the workforce, have not received adequate training on how to work effectively with artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Despite AI’s growing presence in the workplace, the report highlights a significant gap in training, particularly in the development of skills necessary for effective AI collaboration.
The research, conducted in partnership with Censuswide, shows that while 70 percent of UK employees are already using AI in their roles, over one-third (34 percent) admit they lack essential soft skills required to maximise AI’s potential. These skills include communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are crucial for integrating AI into daily workflows.
Chris Chen, Chief Technology Officer at GoodHabitz, warned of the risks posed by this skills gap, saying, “AI is changing everything about how we work and think, but most of our people aren’t ready for it. It’s not just about knowing how to use AI tools. We need to focus on the skills that make human pairing with AI truly impactful.”
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Skills Shortages Hindering AI Integration
The report reveals a disconnect between the growing use of AI and employees’ ability to leverage it effectively. While AI has enabled workers to perform tasks that were previously beyond their capabilities, with 66 percent of employees reporting increased productivity, a substantial portion of the workforce still feels unprepared for the transition. Many workers lack the problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills required to work seamlessly with AI.
AI is already improving work efficiency, saving employees an average of 37 minutes per day, which amounts to over 150 hours annually per employee. However, nearly half (47 percent) of employees still prefer to rely on their own abilities rather than AI tools, indicating a need for further training and confidence-building measures.
According to the report, 48 percent of workers believe AI has heightened the demand for key skills such as problem-solving (39 percent), critical thinking (38 percent), and analytical thinking (37 percent). These findings underscore the importance of equipping employees with the right capabilities to thrive in an AI-driven work environment.
AI Benefits and Human Skills Development
Despite the concerns over skills shortages, many employees recognise the advantages AI brings to their roles. A significant majority (62 percent) reported that using AI has increased their job satisfaction, suggesting the potential for AI to positively impact employee engagement and retention if integrated properly. However, these benefits can only be fully realised if organisations invest in the development of both AI-related technical skills and human-centred soft skills.
Chen emphasised the need for urgent action, noting that UK companies could face challenges in maintaining a competitive edge globally if they fail to upskill their workforce. “If we don’t act fast to train our workforce, UK companies will struggle to keep up with the rest of the world,” he stated.
A separate study by CYPHER Learning, which was released in September, found that workers’ attitudes towards AI varied greatly. Among the employees surveyed, 33 percent of expressed a desire for AI to be banned in workplace settings altogether – while 25 percent admitted to using AI without their supervisors’ knowledge. Most strikingly, the study found that 69 percent of workers called for clearer guidance and policies regarding AI in the workplace.
