A new report from market analysts Aircall-Sapio Research says most UK SMBs are optimistic about AI even if their staff fear it will take their jobs away.
Most SMBs plan to invest in the technology in the next twelve months even as half their staff are worried about its impact on their jobs, and quality of work.
Over half (53 per cent) of UK SMBs of those surveyed confirm they will be investing in AI in the next 12 months.
However, just under two-thirds of UK employees (64 per cent) think there is a lack of understanding of what AI can do in the workplace, and over three-quarters (76 per cent) would be interested in learning more about how AI can benefit them.
With the rise of AI companies have also started reducing headcount in favour of automation. For example, Dropbox laid off 500 employees, representing about 16 per cent of the company’s global workforce in April 2023, as focus shifted towards driving artificial intelligence.
The Aircall-Sapio research shows that businesses need to strike a balance between speed and caution in its deployment.
For SMBs who get the balance right, however, the impact is clear: employees feel confident in AI’s ability to automate the day-to-day admin of teams and return workers’ hours to meaningful, high-impact work, the report said.
Employees within UK SMBs expect AI to benefit their work from improved customer service, automation of processes, business insights, greater sales performance or revenue growth and coaching and upskilling teams.
