Over two-thirds of UK workers express a desire for a more significant say in their company’s direction in the face of increasing automation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration, according to a recent survey conducted by monday.com. The findings, which involve the perspectives of over 520 employees across the UK, indicate that 67 percent of the respondents wish to have a greater influence on strategic decision-making within their organisations.

The survey also highlights the demand for increased workplace transparency, with half of the participants seeking clearer communication regarding technological changes and their implications. Ben Barnett, Regional Vice President for UK and Ireland at monday.com, commented on the survey results: "It’s clear from the findings that UK employees are eager to take ownership of change. Rather than simply adapting to new developments, they want to play an active role in shaping them.” Barnett emphasised that while AI has the potential to enhance productivity, its effectiveness is contingent upon the trust and transparency established within organisations.

Despite the growing prevalence of AI in various sectors, the study reveals that most employees exhibit a sound understanding of success determinants within their companies, thanks likely to robust leadership and goal-setting frameworks. Notably, 79 percent of respondents are committed to their company's growth, and 84 percent feel well-informed about their team's performance, suggesting a strong culture of transparency.

Nevertheless, the survey indicates that clarity alone is insufficient. A substantial 72 percent of respondents expressed the desire for greater ownership of their roles, and over half (51 percent) believe that improved opportunities for career progression would enhance their motivation. Barnett reiterated the importance of integrating employee input into decision-making processes, stating: “The UK’s dynamic business environment positions its companies to set a global benchmark for managing change.”

The potential benefits and concerns of AI within the workplace are also markedly present in the findings. The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to increase productivity by 1.5 percent annually. According to monday.com's survey, three-quarters of employees are open to utilising AI tools, with a similar proportion recognising the benefits of AI features within existing platforms that streamline workflows. Among current AI users, an impressive 90 percent report that they are spending less time on monotonous tasks, while 81 percent feel that AI enhances both problem-solving and creativity.

However, this optimism is not without hesitation; 38 percent of respondents are apprehensive that AI could replace tasks they find enjoyable, and nearly a third fear possible job displacement. Furthermore, 33 percent believe that there is a need for improved automation, security, and workflow enhancements, particularly in critical areas such as project management and software development.

In light of these findings, monday.com asserts the necessity of a balanced approach to AI deployment in order to fully capitalise on its advantages while addressing the concerns of the workforce.

In addition to the survey findings, monday.com has also launched a new AI-powered service platform, following the completion of its beta phase. This platform, known as monday service, is an AI-driven Enterprise Service Management (ESM) solution aimed at optimising workflows for service teams across various organisations. The platform functions as a centralised hub, facilitating enhanced operational efficiency and high-quality support experiences.

By integrating intelligent automation, monday service helps service agents prioritise critical issues, which can lead to improved response times. The platform consolidates requests, incidents, projects, and business data into a singular system, promoting seamless collaboration and expediting resolutions without necessitating additional resources. Notably, this platform is designed not only for internal operations but also for managing external customer and vendor requests while ensuring continuity in workflows.

Source: Noah Wire Services