A new Google report suggests that the UK economy could gain £400 billion (approximately $533 billion) from AI-driven growth if employees are effectively trained to use artificial intelligence (AI). This is based on a UK pilot program showing employees saved over 122 hours annually on administrative tasks using AI tools.
The report highlights that simplifying AI usage and providing adequate training are crucial for wider adoption. Debbie Weinstein, Google's President of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, noted that many employees, particularly older women from lower-income backgrounds, hadn't previously used generative AI at work. She mentioned initial hesitation among pilot participants, describing a need for employees to receive "permission" to use AI. Providing this psychological support and confidence is therefore vital.
Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, licensed through Midjourney
Three months after the pilot, AI usage significantly increased. For women over 55, only 17% used AI weekly before training, rising to 56% afterward. Daily usage jumped from 9% to 29%. These simple interventions successfully narrowed the gap in AI adoption.
Weinstein points out that proper training and confidence building led to more frequent AI use, sustained even months later. Google aims to further promote workplace AI adoption to boost economic growth and employee productivity.
As technology advances, AI will become an increasingly important tool for enhancing productivity. Simple training and psychological support enable employees not only to improve efficiency but also to better adapt to future work environments.
