According to a new study by technology-upskilling platform Pluralsight, businesses are eager to embrace AI but their tech teams may be unprepared to use the technology.
Over three quarters of UK technology and executive workers admitted that they had lied about their AI knowledge.
The research also reveals emerging attitudes towards AI use, the true state of AI readiness and the risks that businesses face if the current skills gaps are not closed quickly.
In the UK, a culture of “AI shame” is emerging.
86% of UK businesses are already using AI, or plan to. Almost all (93%) have accelerated AI initiatives over the past six months. The workplace is changing dramatically, but there’s a new culture of AI shame.
59% of respondents feel that the use of AI is viewed as lazy by their organization. This sentiment rises to 73% for C-suite executives. Nearly a third of UK tech workers (31%) hide their AI use to avoid judgment. 65% of them have observed their coworkers using AI but not admitting to it.
Chris McClellan explains, “Using AI in the workplace isn’t cutting corners.” It’s an effective way to boost efficiency and relieve talented workers of routine tasks when used correctly. Businesses need to create cultures that encourage employees to be trained in AI and its safe use, and also see the value of it.
UK executives must implement clear AI guidelines
Tech workers and executives should align on how and where AI is used as it becomes more widespread. Prioritising ethical adoption will be important. Only 31% of tech employees say that they have seen AI misused, while 59% of executives think questionable AI activities are taking place within their companies. This difference suggests that leaders have different definitions of what ethical AI usage is.
McClellan commented on the findings. “The gap in identifying AI abuse highlights that leaders need to do more to implement consistent, clear strategies for when and where AI is used, and ensure that all employees have the right skills to safely work with AI.” Businesses in the UK risk inefficiency, wasted investments, and even security risks if they don’t have a good understanding of how to use AI.
Research also reveals that 93% of tech workers and executives still feel there is a threat AI could replace them. Despite the fact that 44% of UK companies have said they’ve actually added more jobs due to the growing technology, this is still a concern.
Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI, workers should focus on maintaining their skills and being able to work with AI in today’s market. Nearly half of UK executives (47%) say AI skills are an important qualification to get hired today. Only 6% don’t consider AI skills in hiring. 94% agree that keeping up-to-date on AI skills will help you get a job, especially in a highly competitive market.
Due to the ongoing skill gaps in AI, 87% are likely to outsource or replace talent to complete AI projects. This makes upskilling employees to work with this technology even more important.
McClellan continues, “We see businesses creating new roles to take advantage of AI’s potential. It’s not about resisting AI, but rather about upskilling. The employees who learn to work with AI proactively will not be replaced by AI, but rather shape the future of the workplace. The executives must also be aware of this and ensure that employees are properly trained to adapt to the new world of work.
You can find the full AI Skills Report here.
Methodology
The Pluralsight Artificial Intelligence Skills Report was conducted in the UK by Wakefield Research. It surveyed 600 decision-makers and practitioners, evenly divided between executives (CEOs and CFOs) and practitioners (employees in technology, IT and cybersecurity).
The survey was conducted from December 17th 2024 to January 5th 10th 2025.
About Pluralsight
Pluralsight is the only platform that focuses on accelerating the skills and abilities of today’s technology workforce. Pluralsight Skills is used by thousands of companies, governments and individuals worldwide to develop critical technology skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity, software development and machine learning. Pluralsight Skills offers highly curated content created by technology experts, leading industry skill assessments and immersive, hands-on learning experiences to help individuals improve their skills faster. The company has offices around the world, including India, Ireland and Australia. Its headquarters is in Draper in Utah. For more information, visit pluralsight.com.
The original HR news article 91% UK executives and tech employees say they’re AI-savvy but more than three quarters of them are lying appeared.
