The survey of 520+ UK employees found that 67% want more control over their company’s direction, while half demand greater transparency around workplace and technological change. At the same time, over a third (38%) are mindful that AI might replace responsibilities they enjoy, highlighting the importance of aligning innovation with employee satisfaction.

Employees want a bigger role in shaping success

Workplace success is not just about targets – it’s about employee satisfaction and meaningful contributions to organisational goals. While economic pressures and technological change shift priorities, most UK employees have a clear sense of what it takes to succeed, thanks to leaders who outline responsibilities, set measurable goals, and communicate their expectations:

• 92% of UK employees understand how their individual performance is assessed, and 89% are clear on their company’s overarching goals
• 86% report being motivated to achieve success for themselves, and 79% are driven to contribute to the company’s overall success
• 84% are satisfied with transparency regarding their team’s performance

Yet, clarity and motivation alone aren’t enough to sustain long-term success. Workers want to feel invested in the bigger company vision, with opportunities for growth and influence:

• 72% of UK employees want to feel a greater sense of ownership in the company, while 67% seek greater influence and control over the company’s direction
• 51% say better progression and promotion opportunities would boost motivation
• Over the next year, 40% want to develop their leadership skills, 32% want to strengthen project management skills, and 26% aim to enhance creativity and innovation skills

The only constant of business is change

Amid economic uncertainty, return-to-office mandates, and the proliferation of AI tools,  employees are clear about what they need to navigate these shifts with confidence:

• 58% of UK employees reported shifts in their job duties this year; 58% experienced tool or software changes; 55% saw changes in team size
• 53% want broader communication about change across roles and regions; 52% call for better training to help manage changes; 50% highlight the need for greater transparency regarding the reasons for changes
• 88% agree that better strategies for collaboration and usage of digital tools are essential for achieving their best work

AI adoption drives optimism but calls for a thoughtful approach

The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to position the UK as a leader in artificial intelligence, with the promise of boosting productivity by 1.5% annually. Done right, AI unlocks creativity, helps solve tough problems, and lets people focus on what matters:

• 75% of UK employees are open to using AI tools to support their roles
• 75% feel positive about AI features in existing tools, highlighting the need for smarter integration and fewer tools to streamline workflows
• Among AI users, 90% report reduced time spent on manual or repetitive tasks; 81% say it helps them tackle difficult tasks more effectively; 81% feel it boosts their creativity

But optimism comes with caution. Concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and its current limitations underline the need for a considered approach:

• 38% of UK employees are mindful that AI might replace responsibilities they enjoy, while 29% worry AI could put their job at risk entirely
• 33% believe AI needs improvement in automation capabilities, such as enhancing task routines and bolstering security
• Another 33% feel AI needs improvement in areas such as resource and project management, as well as software and programming development

Ben Barnett, Regional Vice President, UK&I at monday.com, comments: “It’s clear from the findings that UK employees are eager to take ownership of change. Rather than simply adapting to new developments, they want to play an active role in shaping them. AI, for all its potential, is only as good as the trust and transparency surrounding its use. Businesses that see AI as a way to enhance rather than replace human potential will be best positioned for success.

“The UK’s dynamic business environment positions its companies to set a global benchmark for managing change. Those that bring employees into decision-making and align innovation with workforce needs will lead the way. By evolving with their people, not apart from them, organisations will shape a more sustainable and resilient future of work.”

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