Only 1 in 5 British workers see AI and automation as a threat to their job

Study finds more men than women have a positive outlook on automation in the workplace, believing it will reduce errors

LONDON, 8th November 2017 - Over a third of male workers (39%) feel artificial intelligence (AI) and automation will make them better at tackling day-to-day tasks, in contrast to less than a quarter of female workers (24%). This gender gap in attitudes and expectations towards AI in the workplace is revealed in a report released today by TalkTalk Business with research conducted by YouGov.

The Workforces 2025 report also reveals:

28% of workers in comparison to 19% of female workers think automation will help improve their attention to detail and reduce errors
A third (33%) of men think the introduction of these technologies will impact on their jobs positively, as opposed to just a quarter (25%) of women
Across the workforce, an equal volume (29%) of those surveyed see AI as having both a positive and negative impact,while 15% think AI, automation and other technology developments have the potential to replace their job completely
38% of workers think their current job will still exist 15 years from now, without any support from AI, automation or any other technology developments. Whereas 12% believe their jobs will be replaced entirely by AI

This stands in stark contrast to a recent prediction by thinktank, Reform, which said that 250,000 public sector administrative jobs could be at risk by 2030 because of automation. Key decision makers surveyed were alert to the sweeping changes ahead, with 47% explaining that their companies intend to upskill their workforces to understand and utilise these newer technologies.

Duncan Gooding, Interim MD at TalkTalk Business, comments: “Employees must wake up to the march of evolving technologies so that they are ready to adapt to the demands and requirements of the workplace of the future. It’s equally important that employers introduce these tools and train workers in a way that inspires intrigue and positivity. AI, in particular has the potential to transform our productivity and creativity at work. It is incumbent upon employers to effectively demonstrate how, so that current and future generations jump at the chance to embrace automated solutions.”

Re-shaping our attitudes to AI

While many workers do not fear the possibility of automation directly impacting their jobs, general attitudes towards these technologies in the workplace aren’t universally positive. The research identifies that over a third (39%) of British workers do not think any time they spend dealing with tasks at work could be supported by automation.

Graeme Codrington, Futurist to TalkTalk Business, comments: “The reality is that we are on the verge of technological advances akin to the Industrial Revolution. While many employers are considering upskilling their workforces to benefit from this shift as early as possible, lots of employees still do not appear to have got the memo to achieve this. What these latest insights show is that by enabling workers to unlock the full extent of their abilities, this will create a happier, more engaged and productive workforce.”

To download the TalkTalk Business Workforces 2025 report visit: www.talktalkbusiness.co.uk/workforces2025

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Media Enquiries

Rakhee Rathod, B2B PR Manager

rakhee.rathod@talktalkplc.com / 07342 947 810

About TalkTalk Business

TalkTalk Business is one of the fastest growing B2B telecoms providers in the UK, serving the needs of business and public sector customers nationwide and working with over 600 partners. We deliver a full range of business-grade communications products and services, including Connectivity and Networking, Hosted Solutions, Mobile, Voice and IP telephone systems. We thrive on innovation, looking for ways to disrupt the market and deliver value back to our customers.

Following an investment of over £600m, TalkTalk Group operates one of Britain’s largest Next Generation Network, with 94% coverage for broadband and voice. Built for business, its network has more than 3,000 enabled exchanges for Ethernet, EFM and Business Broadband.

With over 20 years’ experience providing support to customers, from national retailers to sole traders, and with future-proof, scalable technology, dedicated support, TalkTalk Business provides a full range of communications solutions aimed at making Britain’s businesses better off.

Editor’s notes

Business decision makers: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 602 Decision Makers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th - 8th June 2017. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of British business size.

Consumer survey: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2042 adults, of which 1047 were in full or part time employment. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 12th June 2017. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).