A recent survey of over 4,000 UK employees reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies are reshaping workplaces, with 70 percent of respondents acknowledging their growing influence.
The study, commissioned by WSP in collaboration with Savanta, were part of the company’s “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce” campaign. The discussion featured input from WSP, The 5% Club, and Microsoft, delving into the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce.
AI is driving changes in workplace operations, with 38 percent of employees citing increased efficiency and 33 percent noting higher productivity. This trend is expected to grow, as 84 percent of respondents believe AI will continue delivering positive effects. Many anticipate further improvements in efficiency (41%) and productivity (37%) as key outcomes.
Employers are actively preparing staff for these technological advancements. Nearly 72 percent of employees say their organisations are providing resources to help them adapt to AI, with the strongest support observed in the manufacturing (80%) and transport and communications (78%) sectors.
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Dan Scott, Director, Data Science at WSP, said, “To fully leverage the transformative potential of AI in the workplace, we must rethink traditional approaches. Our research shows that while employees recognise the benefits of AI, a significant gap exists between their expectations and current practices. It is essential for organisations to adopt AI technologies effectively and empower their workforce with the skills and vision needed to lead us into a future brimming with possibilities.”
Gaps in Sustainability Practices
More and more employees are prioritising sustainability, with 52 percent willing to re-train for greener roles, 45 percent stating they would stay longer in jobs with stronger environmental policies, and 38 percent considering a job switch for better sustainability goals. Younger workers are at the forefront of this trend: among employees aged 16-34, 66 percent are more likely to prioritise sustainability when making career decisions, compared to older age groups. Decision-makers echo this trend, with 68 percent factoring sustainability into their career plans.
However, there is a disparity between employees’ sustainability expectations and their workplaces’ current efforts. While nearly half of employees are aware of recycling schemes at work, awareness of more impactful sustainability initiatives – such as renewable energy adoption (29%), water-saving measures (27%), and sustainability training (27%) – remains significantly lower.
Readiness for Workplace Changes
Despite economic uncertainties, UK employees are increasingly prepared to embrace workplace changes. Over half (54%) feel ready for shifts driven by sustainability initiatives and climate action, while 47 percent are confident when it comes to handling transformations related to AI and technology.
Mark Cameron, CEO at The 5% Club said, “For far too long organisations have viewed the Information Age and AI as a future issue and have therefore largely ploughed on with ‘Business as Usual’ … as usual. That was until the advent of Generative AI which made this ‘tomorrow issue’ one for today.
“But the response has been slow, with lip-service being paid to the imminent changes, especially the increased cadence of skills evolution, and the need to change our slow linear skills systems into something more agile, dynamic, and able to respond to workforce pressures in all dimensions – the overdue and necessary new skill, reskill, upskill debate.”
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, an HR news and opinion publication, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues. She is a journalism graduate and self-described lifelong dog lover who has also written for Dogs Today magazine since 2014.
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
