Rather than fearing AI, 63% of British workers are energised about its potential impact on workplaces. The reason for this energy is clear: four in five (82%) believe their tasks and job responsibilities can benefit from AI, recognising the transformative force it can play.

Key areas where knowledge workers are already using AI include writing or editing content (32%), data analysis (32%), research (29%), and taking and summarising meeting notes and action items (29%).

However, it’s employers themselves that need to match workers’ enthusiasm. 51% say that their companies are “all talk, and no action”, and while some trial and error is expected in early phases of adoption, more than a third (36%) say their companies frequently abandon their AI initiatives altogether. As a result, employees often are left to figure out AI for themselves, but half (52%) struggle to know when to use it.

Rory Keddie, Product Evangelist at Miro comments: “It’s hugely encouraging to see the enthusiasm for AI across workers in the UK, and the benefits are starting to be widely felt. What is quite evident however is that businesses themselves need to mirror employee excitement with practical guidance, support and ‘follow through’ – turning this energy into actual execution.”

The study also reveals a notable trend in which people tend to rate their own AI skills lower than their peers, suggesting a self-perceived ‘AI-inferiority complex’. In fact, workers are a third (34%) more likely to rate their AI knowledge and skills as weak or non-existent, compared to their teams. As a result, this fear is driving 30% of workers to exaggerate their AI abilities at work.

The responsibility therefore falls on leaders to support training initiatives and develop clearer plans and investment strategies to benefit workers and their companies. Workers are clear about what they need from organisations. Providing formal training (49%) is the top action companies can take for employees, followed by communicating the potential business benefits of the technology (38%) and clarifying company strategy for AI adoption (37%).

Keddie adds: “Whilst Brits are likely to downplay their AI skills, it’s important that their employers support their enthusiasm. It’s by experimenting with AI (within safe boundaries) that confidence will build, and organisations themselves will succeed – bringing better products and services to market faster and harnessing the power of AI.”