AI & Technology
Looking ahead, 84% of UK employees anticipate the positive effects of AI and technology will persist, with many expecting further improvements in efficiency (41%) and productivity (37%) as key outcomes.
Importantly, employers are taking steps to ensure that staff can adapt to these technological advancements. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of employees say their organisations are providing resources to help them navigate the shift to AI. This support is especially evident in sectors like manufacturing (80%) and transport and communications (78%).
While most UK employees are eager to adapt their skills for a greener future, significant gaps in workplace sustainability practices remain. Nearly half (49%) of employees are aware of recycling schemes at work, but awareness of more impactful initiatives—such as renewable energy use (29%), sustainability training (27%), and water-saving measures (27%)—is much lower.
This contrasts with employees' growing demand for businesses to prioritise sustainability: over half (52%) are willing to re-train to adapt their skillset for greener roles, 45% would stay longer in jobs with stronger environmental policies, and 38% would consider switching jobs for organisations with better environmental goals.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, many UK employees are feeling prepared for the future. Over half (54%) of the workforce say they are ready for workplace changes driven by sustainability and efforts to tackle climate change. Additionally, just under half (47%) feel equipped to handle changes related to AI, reflecting growing confidence in adapting to technological advancements.
Interestingly, younger employees are leading the way in shaping a more sustainable workforce. Those aged 16-34 are more likely to emphasise sustainability when making career decisions (66%), compared to older age groups. This trend is also seen among decision-makers, with 68% considering sustainability as a critical factor in their career planning.
Dan Scott, Director, Data Science at WSP, said: “To fully leverage the transformative potential of AI in the workplace, we must rethink traditional approaches. Our research shows that while employees recognise the benefits of AI, a significant gap exists between their expectations and current practices. It is essential for organisations to adopt AI technologies effectively and empower their workforce with the skills and vision needed to lead us into a future brimming with possibilities.”
Mark Cameron, CEO at The 5% Club said: “For far too long organisations have viewed the Information Age and AI as a future issue and have therefore largely ploughed on with ‘Business as Usual’ … as usual. That was until the advent of Generative AI which made this ‘tomorrow issue’ one for today. But the response has been slow, with lip-service being paid to the imminent changes, especially the increased cadence of skills evolution, and the need to change our slow linear skills systems into something more agile, dynamic, and able to respond to workforce pressures in all dimensions – the overdue and necessary new skill, reskill, upskill debate.”
Savanta conducted a 15-minute online survey amongst 4,020 UK employees, aged 16 and over. Fieldwork took place between 14th and 21st June 2024. Quotas and weighting were using to ensure a representative sample of UK employees by gender, age, industry sector, and working status (full/part-time). Savanta is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
