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AI at Work: New research reveals over 1/3 of employees are using AI in secret

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is transforming how organisations operate, from streamlining processes to empowering employees to get more done. Access commissioned research to uncover how AI impacts organisations and their teams, offering real insights into its benefits, challenges and future potential.

Introducing the study

We commissioned independent researchers GingerComms to survey people across the UK who handle data as part of their job, asking them to share candidly what impact it has had on the quality of their work, their time and their well-being.*
Our report contains the findings and expert commentary. It highlights some of the broader trends and we hope it will spark questions and ideas about how to adopt AI in your organisation.
The report includes insights from Dr Phil Parker, The Health and Happiness Expert, Caroline Fanning, Chief Employee Success Officer at Access and Marko Perisic, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Access.
* The survey was conducted between 10 and 17 September 2024 and generated 1,134 responses from employees across 12 UK industry sectors.
Download the report

Half of those surveyed have adopted AI at work with 93% saying the impact has been positive.

Survey highlights

01 04

AI Adoption on the Rise

Half of the employees surveyed said they use AI at work, giving their organisation a distinct advantage over those who don't.

02 04

Time-Saving Efficiency

56% of employees surveyed noted that AI has reduced their workload, allowing them to concentrate on more important, creative or strategic activities. This time gained back is helping organisations get more done and improve the working lives of their people.

03 04

Challenges: Data Security and Accuracy

Despite the advantages of AI in the workplace, concerns around data security and AI accuracy remain high. 48% expressed worries about data security, with 33% citing accuracy as another cause for concern.

04 04

Employee Empowerment and Skills Development

AI is not replacing jobs, it's reshaping them. Our research indicates that a staggering 93% of employees believe that AI already positively impacts their workplace.

Hear from the experts…

Although there are valid concerns about how AI could create stress by replacing some jobs or professions, it does provide potential benefits to our wellbeing.
It could free us for more leisure time, take care of annoying mundane tasks or give teams time to connect and support each other on a more human level.
For people who are neurodiverse or suffering from anxiety, AI could be a gift. It could take over tasks that overwhelm us and be easily trained to support our differing needs, be tailored to the best way to communicate with us and, research has shown, has the benefit of being free of the judgement or opinions some humans bring.
AI will be a feature of all our futures. Employers can best help staff feel part of this future through open and effective communication about both the benefits and other changes these advances will bring.
Dr Phil Parker - PhD, DO The Health & Happiness Expert
Employees are embracing AI – so it's vital that employers match their expectations by investing in tools that are both intuitive and make a genuine difference to their working lives.
This is why embedding AI into business management software is so powerful. It allows people to use it in a familiar and secure environment, managed with relevant permissions.
Employers need to play their part in providing training and resources to upskill and build confidence in the workforce, as well as demystifying what AI is. With Access Evo, our goal is to augment employees' experiences.
Something as simple as finding the company policy on compassionate leave can help managers get things done quicker and, crucially, be able to support their teams better.
It naturally becomes part of their workflow, offering benefits without disruption.
Marko Perisic - Chief Product and Engineering Officer The Access Group
AI is transforming people's workplace experience. By automating or streamlining routine tasks, they are saving time, which can positively impact their work-life balance, work satisfaction and wellbeing.
From a strategic HR perspective, AI can help match the right skills to a job and promote a more diverse workforce. AI tools empower people in their learning, help them process large amounts of information and manage their time easily. That makes AI particularly useful for neurodiverse employees, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia (difficulty understanding numbers) and ADHD.
However, employers must ensure that nobody feels left behind by AI – and training is key. At Access, our goal is to ensure that all our people are AI literate and benefit from the technology's capabilities. This extends to our customers as well. Access Evo aims to democratise AI, making it available for multiple users in a range of different industries including health and social care, hospitality and education.
Caroline Fanning - Chief Employee Success Officer The Access Group

As AI continues to evolve, its role in the workplace will expand. Organisations that embrace AI and invest in their employees' skill development will see the greatest benefits.

The future of work is AI-enhanced, where human ingenuity and machine precision work together to drive innovation and growth.

 

Download our report

For the full research insights download our report, AI at Work: The powerful impact of AI on workplace behaviour.

Find out how your organisation can feel the magic of an AI-enabled software experience.

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