In small businesses in the UK there is a growing gap in AI adoption between senior managers and junior employees. This has led to an “AI advantage” gap in the workplace.
According to the latest report ” Work that Works“, published by global employment platform Employment Hero. According to the study, while nearly three-quarters of senior managers (73%) use AI at least one time a month on a regular basis, only 32% of entry-level employees report this.
The research shows that despite the assumption that younger generations lead AI adoption, it is actually older millennials as well as senior leaders who use the technology the most often in professional settings.
The divide does not only exist between the ages of employees, but also across organizational hierarchies. Senior employees are the ones driving AI use, while junior workers lack access to AI or training. This imbalance could create an unfair playing field, where only certain employees will benefit from productivity gains.
One respondent, identified in the study as the Head of People of a company with 50-99 employees, stated, “Installing AI and making our employees aware of how to use it is the greatest challenge we face today.”
Uneven AI rollout linked to lower productivity
The report shows that AI can also lead to lost productivity when it is not implemented properly. Over half of UK leaders attribute AI’s productivity gains to AI. The report shows that employees who feel excluded from AI projects experience a 50% decline in productivity.
This study also shows that AI usage is minimal or non-existent in companies that do not use AI. This is especially evident in small business, where training and investment in technology are often limited.
AI implementation is half as common in companies with less than 50 employees compared to those larger organizations. These smaller companies are 28 percent less inclined to invest in technology, and almost twice as likely not to prioritize technical skills among their team. Many small businesses that were surveyed said they are in “survival” mode, which limits their ability to adapt new tools.
The report warns, without targeted support, that smaller businesses may face widening productivity gaps compared to their larger competitors who embrace AI at scale.
Challenge the myths surrounding AI adoption at work
The research also challenges a few common misconceptions regarding AI at the workplace. The study found that AI is more than just a shortcut. It can actually improve the quality of work and employee wellbeing. Employees who use AI tools regularly report feeling less overwhelmed, and 38% say that they deliver better work.
This study suggests that AI might not replace jobs, as is often feared. Instead, it may help employees improve performance and reduce workload.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK Managing director at Employment Hero, discussed the need for AI adoption that is more inclusive. He stated, “AI only delivers productivity gains to some people, and this is a big problem.” To drive meaningful change in technology, it must be available to everyone. This means not only investing in tools but also in training, support, and the confidence that people need to use them.
He said that AI adoption must be a “trickle down, human centered approach” that begins with the leadership and is designed to benefit everyone equally.
Fitzgerald said, “Closing this AI advantage gap is crucial – not only for the success and productivity of UK companies but also for the UK economy as a whole.”
