Why UK&I businesses must prepare employees for the future workplace
The world of work has changed rapidly in recent years—so much so that we risk leaving employees behind. Research conducted by ServiceNow and Opinium paints a concerning picture: More than two in five workers say their education didn’t prepare them for work; around a fifth of workers wish they had taken a different career path; and over half would like a better understanding of today’s technologies.
As we speed head-on into the future workplace, it’s important to pause and consider what new ways of working mean for the employees living through this shift—or risk negatively affecting their experience.
To better understand the impact of digital transformation and technology advancements on people, we asked 1,250 workers across the UK and Ireland about their perception of technology to date. Click the image below to see an infographic that highlights the findings. Read on to learn our top takeaways.
Accessibility note: The infographic is transcribed at the end of this blog post.
1. AI will play a key role in the future of work
There’s no disputing that AI has a key role in the future workforce. In fact, our research shows it’s already playing a significant part in the average employee’s day-to-day operations. UK&I workers already use or plan to use AI to:
- Draft emails or social media posts (69%)
- Create Excel formulas (68%)
- Brainstorm and generate ideas (65%)
Looking ahead, almost half (49%) of respondents in the UK think AI will have a positive impact on workplace productivity. That figure jumps to 53% in Ireland. When asked if AI is the biggest opportunity for the future of the workforce, 44% of respondents in the UK and 48% in Ireland agreed.
What this means for businesses in the region is simple: AI will affect how we work today and in years to come. Organisations looking to remain competitive, productive, and agile should take advantage of workers’ positive attitudes towards AI and make use of the technology where possible.
2. UK&I workers aren’t confident in their skills
Although workers understand the potential productivity gains from AI solutions, our research shows they lack the confidence to use the solutions. In the UK, 41% of respondents feel they don’t have all the technical abilities required to work alongside AI systems. In Ireland, that figure rises to 45%.
Similarly, approximately one-third (31% in the UK and 33% in Ireland) believe they’ll need further education to stay relevant in their career as digital transformation progresses.
Organisations investing in new technology must take this lack of confidence into account. There’s no use spending valuable budget on flashy AI solutions if your employees don’t have the skills—or confidence—to properly use them.
3. Workers who lack confidence are eager to learn
Despite a lack of confidence, UK&I workers recognise the importance of digital skills and actively seek to develop their skill sets. Of those surveyed, 78% agree digital skills give people a vital edge in business, and 61% think AI should be a mandatory subject in schools before the age of 18.
Workers in the region have a clear interest in honing the skills necessary to thrive in the future. This suggests employees in the UK&I would likely consider taking part in training, if given the opportunity.
4. Business leaders play a role in digital education
There’s a clear opportunity to empower UK&I workers with digital skills through practical learning and development sessions. The research shows this action falls to business leaders. More than half (56%) of UK workers believe businesses have a responsibility to promote the development of AI skills in the workplace. That figure rises to 64% in Ireland.
The onus is on leaders to act. The goal should be to create a practical learning and development strategy that provides workers with the skills to work alongside AI systems. Leaders must also ensure workers are given the time and space to make the best use of their learnings.
As it stands, nearly half (46% in the UK and 49% in Ireland) of respondents find it difficult to fit digital skills around their work schedule.
Organisations should make use of initiatives to drive accessible and convenient digital education. With a host of partnerships and education opportunities available, employees can RiseUp with ServiceNow to learn the practical skills necessary to thrive in their roles. Leaders who don’t embrace new ways of working risk an untrained, ill-equipped, unhappy workforce.
The results of our research are conclusive: Workers appreciate the opportunities afforded by AI and other new technologies. Business leaders must do more to drive education and adoption. Organisations that incorporate digital skills into a solid learning and development strategy have the opportunity to thrive—and encourage employees to thrive with them.
Discover how you can equip your workforce for the future workplace and RiseUp with ServiceNow.
Transcript of infographic
Preparing UK&I employees for an AI-powered future
Understanding perceptions of the future of work
ServiceNow recently surveyed 1,250 workers across the UK and Ireland to better understand their current skills, their thoughts regarding new and emerging technology, and ultimately, how prepared our workforce is for the future.
What we found in the UK...
78% of workers agree digital skills provide a vital edge in business.
But more needs to be done to develop those skills in the workforce...
41% of workers feel they don’t have the technical abilities required to work alongside AI systems yet.
And education systems aren’t doing their job...
54% of workers say education didn’t prepare them for the workforce.
AI is already playing a significant role in today’s workforce.
Workers already use or plan to use AI:
- To draft emails or social media posts (UK: 69%, Ireland: 79%)
- To create Excel formulas (UK: 68%, Ireland: 80%)
- For idea generation and brainstorming (UK: 65%, Ireland: 77%)
According to UK workers, there’s a gap between skills taught in schools versus what’s needed at work:
- 55% say their formal education did not prepare them for working life.
- 52% wish they had a better understanding and skill set to use today’s technologies.
- 41% feel they lack the technical ability to work alongside AI systems.
AI and coding should be taught in schools to better prepare the next generation.
72% of UK workers agree there should be a standard digital skills qualification employers recognise.
According to UK workers, businesses must empower employees with digital skills to thrive in the future workplace:
- 64% are excited by the prospect of developing digital skills throughout their career.
- 56% believe businesses have a responsibility to promote the development of AI skills in the workplace.
- 46% find it difficult to fit digital skills around their work schedule.
ServiceNow worked with Opinium Research to commission a survey of 5,500 workers in UK, ROI, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, UAE, Sweden, and Switzerland—conducted between 3-9 October 2023.