UK workforce lacks training in AI tools, study reveals

New research by GoodHabitz reveals that a significant portion of UK employees are not adequately trained to use AI tools in the workplace.

The study, conducted with Censuswide, highlights that one in five UK employees—equating to roughly 6.31 million workers—have not received sufficient training from their organisations on how to effectively work with AI technologies. This comes despite the fact that 70% of the workforce already uses AI in their roles.

Chris Chen, Chief Technology Officer of GoodHabitz, remarks on the findings, "The research shows that we are in a really tough spot right now. AI is changing everything about how we work and think, but most of our people aren't ready for it. And it's not just about knowing how to use AI tools. We need to focus on the skills that make human pairing with AI truly impactful like effective communication, understanding emotions, complex problems analysis, and seamless integration into team workflows. If we don't act fast to train our workforce, UK companies will struggle to keep up with the rest of the world."

The report indicates a pressing requirement for a national upskilling drive, as nearly half (48%) of employees surveyed acknowledged that AI has heightened the necessity for skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical thinking, identified by 39%, 38%, and 37% of respondents, respectively, as crucial competencies.

According to Ed Monk, CEO of the Learning and Performance Institute, "This research is a wake-up call for UK businesses. AI has enormous potential to enhance productivity, but without the right skills, that potential will be wasted." He further adds, "We need to ensure that every employee, regardless of their role, is equipped with the training they need not only to use AI tools but to complement them with uniquely human capabilities like critical thinking and adaptability. Investing in human-centred skills alongside AI literacy will be key to staying competitive in the global market."

There are some optimistic findings, with 66% of employees acknowledging that AI has enabled them to perform tasks previously not possible, demonstrating its transformative potential. Additionally, the efficiency gained through AI usage is notable, with employees saving an average of 37 minutes per day, which translates into over 150 hours annually.

The research indicates that while a majority of employees (68%) believe they possess some necessary skills to work with AI, significant gaps remain. Notably, nearly half (47%) of employees still prefer to use their own skills rather than rely on AI tools, suggesting a need to build greater trust and literacy around AI.

Chen further notes, "We've got a big job ahead of us, but it's also a great chance to get ahead. UK companies need to start to boost training their people with AI intimacy now. And the businesses that do, will have a big advantage in the future when AI is everywhere."

GoodHabitz is addressing these challenges by offering an AI-enhanced learning platform that tailors employee training through self-assessments and personalised course recommendations.

The potential for AI to contribute positively to job satisfaction is also reflected, with 62% of employees stating that using AI has increased their enjoyment at work, indicating that with the right training, AI could play a crucial role in improving workforce morale and retention.