Business leaders in the UK are confident that artificial intelligence will create more opportunities for people at work rather than replace them, according to new research.
Nearly a third of UK directors now expect to increase hiring as AI becomes more deeply embedded in day-to-day operations, reflecting a positive outlook on the technology’s impact in 2026 and beyond.
The findings, from a survey by workflow platform Monday.com, come as debate continues about the long-term impact of AI on jobs and the workplace. While concerns remain about automation and redundancies, most directors surveyed do not expect headcount to fall as a result of AI. Instead, leaders are focused on using new tools to boost efficiency and free up staff to take on more valuable roles.
Managers said the priority is to keep people at the centre of business, even as AI systems become more sophisticated and teams adopt new ways of working. Many pointed out that the best results come when technology helps employees do more of what matters, rather than replacing human input.
AI moves from experiment to everyday tool
Artificial intelligence is now a daily part of life for most directors in the UK, according to the research. Four out of five directors say they use AI every day, while almost all have adopted it in some form. Many describe themselves as advanced or expert users, and more than half have seen AI tools deliver new revenue streams over the past year.
Leaders who took part in the survey reported that AI is no longer something to try out but is now central to how organisations run. Directors are increasingly confident in their ability to turn AI strategies into real improvements, and many have dedicated teams leading adoption within their business.
Company boards are now looking to embed AI into their mission and build on the expertise already developed. Over half of UK directors said AI is deeply integrated into their company’s plans, while nearly four in ten said specialist AI teams are driving the rollout. This push is supported by a high level of enthusiasm among employees: more than eight in ten directors said staff are open to using AI, and the same number described their workforce as proficient with the technology.
New jobs expected as AI becomes standard
A key finding from the research is that business leaders expect to hire more staff, not fewer, as AI is used more widely. Thirty-two percent of directors predicted they would need to bring in additional talent, often to take on new specialist roles. The majority said the value of AI comes from making space for people to focus on more skilled and creative work.
Ben Barnett, regional vice president for UK and Ireland at monday.com, reflected said directors saw the future as people-centred, even as AI use increases. “The UK market is past the experimentation stage – leaders are using AI with intent,” he said. “What stands out is the confidence: directors feel equipped, teams are receptive, and capability is rising fast.”
He added that the real difference now was in mindset, and that directors did not see the question as one of replacing people but of how AI could help teams do more of what matters. Barnett said expectations for AI had increased, with organisations demanding better tools to support the ambition and talent already driving the UK forward.
Some directors said they have noticed the benefits of integrating AI into everyday processes, including faster decision making, improved accuracy and the ability to launch new products or services. The most common uses cited were speeding up routine tasks, increasing the quality of outputs and creating time for innovation.
Integration and trust remain key challenges
Despite the progress, directors acknowledged that several barriers still need to be addressed for AI to deliver its full potential. Many reported that current systems are not fully joined up, with teams often switching between multiple platforms and using both approved and unofficial tools. Just under half of directors said they were looking to invest in better integrated AI solutions in the coming year.
Concerns about data privacy and security remain widespread, with 43 percent of directors citing them as the biggest barriers to wider adoption. Reliability and accuracy of AI outputs was the next most common concern, followed by the challenges caused by having too many different tools.
Policy is also struggling to keep pace with rapid change. Only 42 percent of directors said their organisation has established guidelines for using AI, especially around sensitive data and security. Trust in current tools is limited, with only a quarter of leaders saying they have complete confidence in the AI systems they use.
The research found that most directors are already familiar with the idea of “digital workforce” – a blend of human teams and AI agents handling tasks together. Many now expect digital agents to manage entire chains of activity, especially in areas like data analysis and project coordination. The goal, leaders said, is for AI to handle predictable work so people can spend more time on innovation and judgment.
The way forward: people and AI working together
The study underlines a new consensus among directors: people and AI are now seen as working side by side, with technology opening space for staff to learn new skills and take on different responsibilities. As businesses become more advanced in their use of AI, leaders expect the workforce to evolve, with new jobs focused on maintaining and improving the systems that support their organisation.
According to a 2025 World Economic Forum report, jobs involving analysis, decision making and complex problem solving are set to grow fastest in the next decade, while routine tasks are most likely to be automated. HR leaders are being advised to invest in training, update recruitment to reflect new skill needs and work closely with staff to manage the transition.
With expectations high and technology moving fast, directors say the real test now is making sure AI systems are joined up, secure and able to support the workforce. The findings point to a future where human insight and digital power go hand in hand, with companies looking to hire more – not less – as they adapt to a changing world of work.
