In a new study conducted by Accenture, it has been revealed that an increasing number of British office workers are integrating generative AI into their daily routines, and this adoption is positively impacting their job satisfaction.
The research, which was based on a recent survey of 2,002 UK workers in both office-based and remote roles, underscores the growing use of generative AI tools in the workplace.
According to the findings, a significant 42 percent of workers surveyed are utilising generative AI tools at least once a week, with 10 percent relying on them daily.
What is most striking is that 67 percent of those who have embraced generative AI tools reported experiencing increased job satisfaction, and a whopping 92 percent found them to be useful. Additionally, 26 percent reported heightened productivity and reclaimed time for more high-quality work.
The tasks most commonly assisted by generative AI include administrative and operational processes (28%), research and data analysis (27%), and brainstorming (24%).
Younger workers are leading the charge
Generational disparities are evident, with younger workers leading the charge in adopting generative AI. A staggering 63 percent of Generation Z employees (aged 18-24) incorporate the technology into their work routines at least once a week, compared to just 22 percent of those aged 55 and over. The research also uncovers a notable gap in workplace training concerning generative AI, with 58 percent of 18-24-year-olds having received such training, as opposed to a mere 17 percent of those over 55.
Emma Kendrew, Technology Lead for Accenture in the UK, highlights the opportunity generative AI presents for organisations to redefine daily tasks. She notes that despite the technology being in its infancy, it is already resonating with workers, especially those embarking on their careers.
Kendrew emphasises that this generational division necessitates a comprehensive strategy by UK employers to empower their entire workforce to excel in this new AI-driven era.
How much of an impact is AI expected to have on jobs?
The survey also inquired about how respondents would choose to spend their working hours if generative AI assisted them with certain job aspects. Accenture’s previous estimate suggests that 40 percent of working hours will be influenced by generative AI. Respondents expressed a strong inclination toward improving their work-life balance, with 27 percent desiring more time to focus on their personal lives outside of work.
Emma Kendrew adds, “It’s still early days in fully comprehending how generative AI will reshape the future of work. People are already experimenting with it in a wide array of ways, from simplifying mundane, process-driven tasks to enhancing creative areas like idea generation. What is evident is that there will continue to be a strong appetite for AI among office workers, as they explore it as a means to discover greater overall job satisfaction.”
The rise of ‘Generation AI’ in the workplace is poised to reshape the way we work and interact with technology. As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into the daily lives of workers, it holds the promise of revolutionising productivity and job satisfaction, opening doors to a new era where humans and AI collaborate seamlessly.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
