A new survey by 3M has found that using AI regularly at work is still far from the norm for UK employees. Despite ongoing revelations that generative AI is on track to redefine ways of working, more must be done to fully integrate it into the day-to-day lives of employees. 

While the majority (84%) of surveyed workers have used AI at their jobs at some point, widespread use is sporadic. Today, only 4% of UK adults interact with AI at work on a daily basis. In contrast, those using AI very irregularly make up the majority – 27% use AI a few times a month at most, while a quarter (24%) admit to using it rarely (once a month or less).  

Paul Cardno, Global Digital Automation & Innovation Senior Manager at 3M, comments: “AI, and particularly generative AI, has truly limitless potential across nearly every industry to drive innovation and enhance outcomes. But if we’re to unlock this in the day-to-day, we need to dispel the fear that AI will replace jobs. Instead, we need to assure employees that AI will work alongside them to help productivity with daily tasks, while providing thorough training so that they feel confident with new AI tools, instead of fearful.” 

Seizing AI’s potential  

Although the numbers leveraging AI regularly are low, most UK adults acknowledge the future potential of AI. 61% of people surveyed expect more than 50% of their work to be completed by AI in the next 10 years, while 68% recognise that companies are already using AI and agree they should continue to do so in the future.  

Nearly half (48%) believe that the implementation of AI will lead to faster data processing and analysis, while 40% believe it will handle menial tasks, freeing up time for workers to focus elsewhere. However, AI’s potential is far greater. As AI continues to evolve, generative AI will spur on creativity, enhance the ideation process, and foster scientific development and innovation. 

As a company with innovation in its DNA, 3M has been harnessing the power of AI for years – from revolutionising R&D efforts and successfully integrating machine learning into manufacturing processes, to leveraging AI to combat the challenge of counterfeit N-95 products during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3M also empowers its employees to safely explore generative AI technology in their daily routines, such as by using 3M’s gen AI chat assistant, 3M Navigator. By enabling tasks like document reviews and brainstorming to be accomplished in seconds, 3M’s AI chat assistant frees up more time for innovation.