A YouGov survey reveals optimism among UK employers and employees about the impact of new technologies in the workplace.
- 63% of employers are optimistic about AI’s impact, while only 41% of employees share this view.
- Both groups express mixed feelings regarding AI’s effect on workplace safety.
- AR and VR receive cautious optimism, with lower confidence levels than AI.
- Calls for government support to enhance workplace safety and training with new tech.
A recent survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the British Safety Council demonstrates a growing optimism among UK employers and employees regarding the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in their employment environment. This optimism is stronger among employers, with 63% expressing confidence in AI’s positive impact, compared to 41% of employees.
Both employers and employees have expressed mixed feelings about AI’s impact on workplace safety. Approximately 26% of both groups believe AI might make their workplace ‘less safe’, contrasting with an equal percentage of employers who believe the opposite, and only 13% of employees thinking AI could enhance safety. Furthermore, when considering job security, 68% of employees feel it is unlikely their roles will be replaced by AI in the next decade.
The levels of optimism regarding AR and VR are notably lower compared to AI. About 48% of employers and 33% of employees express optimism towards AR, while VR garners similar confidence among 51% of employers and 31% of employees. Despite these technologies’ potential, around half of the participants foresee ‘no change’ in workplace safety.
Peter McGettrick, Chairman of the British Safety Council, highlighted the necessity for government incentives to encourage companies investing in emerging technologies aimed at enhancing health, safety, and wellbeing at work. McGettrick stated that while technological advancements are inevitable, there is a pressing need for support and training to mitigate associated risks.
At a roundtable discussion about the future of work, hosted by the British Safety Council, experts emphasized a shift from traditional safety concerns to a broader focus on health, including mental wellbeing and stress management. The discussion underscored the enduring importance of the Health and Safety at Work Act and its evolution to meet modern workplace challenges. The conversation also acknowledged the unanticipated rise in mental health issues and the need for continued legal and organisational adaptations.
The insights from the discussion and survey indicate a pressing need for a proactive approach to integrating new technologies in the workplace, ensuring both safety and wellbeing are prioritised amidst rapid technological evolution.
The findings underscore the importance of balancing technological advancement with comprehensive safety and wellbeing strategies in the workplace.
