Artificial Intelligence drastically underutilised in UK

A new survey by 3M has found that using AI regularly at work is still far from the norm for UK employees. Despite ongoing revelations that generative AI is on track to redefine ways of working, more must be done to fully integrate it into the day-to-day lives of employees.

While the majority (84%) of surveyed workers have used AI at their jobs at some point, widespread use is sporadic. Today, only 4% of UK adults interact with AI at work on a daily basis. In contrast, those using AI very irregularly make up the majority - 27% use AI a few times a month at most, while a quarter (24%) admit to using it rarely (once a month or less).

“AI, and particularly generative AI, has truly limitless potential across nearly every industry to drive innovation and enhance outcomes”, says Paul Cardno, Global Digital Automation & Innovation Senior Manager at 3M. “But if we’re to unlock this in the day-to-day, we need to dispel the fear that AI will replace jobs. Instead, we need to assure employees that AI will work alongside them to help productivity with daily tasks, while providing thorough training so that they feel confident with new AI tools, instead of fearful.”

Seizing AI’s potential

Although the numbers leveraging AI regularly are low, most UK adults acknowledge the future potential of AI. 61% of people surveyed expect more than 50% of their work to be completed by AI in the next 10 years, while 68% recognise that companies are already using AI and agree they should continue to do so in the future.

Prof. Frank Piller, Head of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management from German university RWTH Aachen, says: “The possibilities for companies are currently increasing massively thanks to generative AI. Great efficiency gains can be expected through language processing, and employees can now achieve much more with much less effort. This guarantees great potential for innovation processes, as human and artificial intelligence will work together even more efficiently in the future as hybrid intelligence.”

Many acknowledge AI benefits across administrative and technical tasks. Nearly half (48%) believe that the implementation of AI will lead to faster data processing and analysis, while 40% believe it will handle menial tasks, freeing up time for workers to focus elsewhere. However, AI’s potential is far greater. As AI continues to evolve, generative AI will spur on creativity, enhance the ideation process, and foster scientific development and innovation.

Changing AI mindsets with clear guidance

Increasing AI adoption will require a change in mindsets and industry investment and clear regulation will act as cornerstones in driving this change. For example, 3M recently found that while 77% of people globally believe AI will transform our world, 80% of UK adults feel AI needs to be heavily regulated.

“We know that AI is shaping the future, but companies will only be able to reap the rewards if they have the confidence to rethink existing processes and break away from entrenched structures”, concludes Paul Cardno. “Having clear frameworks and guidance on AI – such as the recent EU AI Act – will help encourage those who remain on the fence to tap into the AI revolution, ensuring it has a safe, positive ongoing influence.”

As a company with innovation in its DNA, 3M has been harnessing the power of AI for years – from revolutionising R&D efforts and successfully integrating machine learning into manufacturing processes, to leveraging AI to combat the challenge of counterfeit N-95 products during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3M also empowers its employees to safely explore generative AI technology in their daily routines, such as by using 3M’s gen AI chat assistant, 3M Navigator. By enabling tasks like document reviews and brainstorming to be accomplished in seconds, 3M’s AI chat assistant frees up more time for innovation.