Google’s latest report reveals that British workers could save over 120 hours per year on administrative tasks by adopting AI tools, suggesting that increased AI training and access could unlock £400 billion in economic growth for the UK.
AI Integration Shows Major Time-Saving Potential
According to Google’s “AI Works” pilot program, employees who received basic training and permission to use AI tools were able to save an average of 122 hours annually on routine admin tasks. The pilot, run in collaboration with research firm Public First, included trials in schools, small businesses, and trade unions.
The findings underline how simple workplace changes—such as authorizing AI use and providing a few hours of training—can dramatically increase adoption and productivity.
Low AI Adoption Among Key Demographics
The study highlighted that two-thirds of UK workers, particularly older women from lower-income backgrounds, had never used generative AI at work before the pilots. Before the training, only 17% of women over 55 used AI weekly, and just 9% daily.
Three months later, 56% were using AI weekly and 29% had made it part of their daily routine.
Barriers to Adoption: Confidence and Permission
A significant psychological barrier was the perception that using AI wasn’t legitimate or acceptable at work. Debbie Weinstein, Google’s EMEA president, emphasized that workers needed “permission to prompt”—a sense that it was okay to engage with the technology.
Once participants gained that reassurance and initial exposure, they were twice as likely to use AI tools consistently.
Unlocking Economic Growth Through Targeted Training
Google estimates that closing the AI adoption gap could add £400 billion to the UK economy. With targeted training and workplace policy shifts, organizations could drive widespread AI usage, particularly in sectors where productivity gains are critical.
Is Simple AI Training the Key to a More Productive Workforce?
As the UK and other economies seek to boost productivity amid tight labor markets, could straightforward AI interventions be the fastest route to gains? The results from Google’s pilot suggest that low-cost, high-impact strategies might hold the key.
