Google: AI Could Save UK Workers 122 Hours Annually

The UK-based Google’s AI Works pilot programs demonstrated that workers could save 122 hours per year through AI-assisted administrative work which would generate $533 billion in economic growth from workforce development according to a Friday report. The pilots which involved small businesses and educational trusts and a union demonstrated that basic interventions such as granting AI use permission and brief training led to a doubling of adoption rates.

The percentage of women older than 55 who used AI weekly before training stood at 17% but reached 56% after receiving training. Google’s Debbie Weinstein emphasized that workers require “permission to prompt” because they fear using AI improperly. Public First analysis revealed that two-thirds of workers including older women from lower socio-economic backgrounds had no experience using generative AI tools such as Google’s Gemini at work.

The research indicates that broad AI training initiatives will help reduce the digital divide while increasing workplace efficiency. The use of AI in professional environments faces ongoing challenges regarding its reliability and potential to replace human workers. The research by Google demonstrates how AI can optimize work processes but the successful implementation depends on resolving cultural and skill-related obstacles to provide equal access to diverse workforces.