Study states that AI optimizes labor: over 120 hours of annual savings for employees

If the UK invests in training its workforce to use AI, its economy could grow by up to £400 billion ($533 billion). That’s according to a new report from Google based on the results of pilot projects related to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in British businesses. 

According to the data, employees could save an average of more than 120 hours a year thanks to the use of AI in administrative tasks. This is possible through a short induction training and formal approval from the employer to use AI in the workflow. These simple steps will ultimately stimulate economic growth.  

The US tech giant, which developed the Gemini AI chatbot, says that according to analysis produced in conjunction with research company Public First, nearly two-thirds of employees – particularly older women from lower socio-economic groups – have never used generative AI in a professional context. The most common reason that deters people from bringing AI into their work is the fear that it is neither legitimate nor fair. 

“People just wanted reassurance that they were allowed to use AI in their work. Giving that ‘permission to prompt’ proved key.” said Debbie Weinstein, Google’s president for Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

The results of the pilot projects demonstrate that even short-term training boosts employee confidence and yields positive results. Google’s report noted that 3 months after the training began, 56% of women over the age of 55 had started using AI at work at least once a week – up from just 17% before, while 29% had made it a daily habit. The proportion of those applying AI daily has also increased significantly, from 9% to 29%.

Google notes that such targeted and affordable initiatives can significantly accelerate the integration of AI into professional environments and become a key driver of economic growth.