AI is rapidly reshaping how we work, with general sentiment suggesting it will transform productivity, innovation, and decision-making. However, a significant trust gap between UK employees and leaders risks undermining its potential. While there have always been worries about whether it will replace jobs, we are now also seeing employees question how AI will be implemented in their workplaces, particularly around ethical considerations and their wellbeing.
Getting employees on side before rolling out AI programmes is critical to success. If people aren’t invested in the technology and willing to use it in the right way, businesses can expect a fair amount of wasted investment. To fully realise AI’s benefits, organisations must first understand how employees are feeling about the technology, and then address concerns by building trust, aligning expectations, and creating a supportive environment.
The trust gap in AI implementation
Leaders and employees view AI’s impact on work differently. Our recent study found that 42% of employees see AI as a tool to improve quality, and 41% believe it will enable them to engage in new, meaningful tasks. However, only 32% of UK employees plan to use AI to increase the quantity of work they produce, compared to 43% of UK leaders.
There is an apparent disconnect between how employers and employees see AI benefitting them in the workplace. Employees may feel as though the amount of work they are currently producing is sufficient, which is perhaps jarring with how employers are viewing organisational productivity. Before implementing any solutions across the business, leaders must take the time to understand how technology can augment the work their people are doing – and then use tech to solve a problem from here.
Employees who feel heard are more likely to trust their leaders and embrace change. Consistent change can be overwhelming for people and lead to a loss in trust, which is where regular feedback opportunities provide a platform for employees to voice concerns, share ideas, and feel involved in company processes. In the bid to win employee trust, factors such as nurturing relationships with employees and listening to their concerns cannot be overstated.
Ethical concerns and wellbeing
The trust piece goes even further when considering the ethics and wellbeing around adopting AI into the business. Less than half (47%) of UK employees trust their leaders to prioritise wellbeing when adopting new technologies, and just 36% believe AI is being deployed with clear principles and guidelines. In contrast, 72% of senior leaders believe these ethical frameworks are firmly in place.
Once again, the disconnect is alarming. If trying to understand this on a macro level, given the current geopolitical climate, employees are facing more uncertainty than ever before. We are seeing a number of global companies outwardly change the way they run their people programmes, which often has a knock-on effect for wider businesses.
Uncertainty also breeds scepticism. We are already facing global talent shortages and retention issues, so leaders need to understand why their people don’t trust them to prioritise wellbeing, and put the right guardrails in place to ensure employees feel comfortable and ready to use new technologies effectively.
By clearly communicating the purpose of any AI initiatives, their expected benefits and the ethical guidelines in place, leaders can reduce employee anxiety and build trust. Developing a clear AI ethics policy that outlines principles for deployment enables companies to lead with transparency, as well as regularly updating employees on progress and any decision-making processes.
Building confidence through communication and training
Leaders are generally optimistic about AI’s potential, but their confidence isn’t shared by their teams. While 77% of UK business leaders believe AI will be rolled out effectively, only 45% of employees share this certainty.
Employees must feel prepared and confident to use AI tools effectively. Providing comprehensive training and support ensures employees understand how AI can complement their work. By developing tailored training programmes that address the specific needs of different roles, including hands-on workshops and ongoing support resources, organisations can make sure that employees feel ready for any technical changes.
The success of AI in the workplace depends on trust and alignment. By addressing employee concerns, organisations can make sure AI enhances rather than disrupts. Leaders who prioritise transparency will create an environment where AI drives meaningful change for both employees and leaders.
