Empowering Workers with AI: A Path to Economic Growth

Britain stands on the brink of a significant economic opportunity, with the potential to gain £400 billion ($533 billion) from artificial intelligence (AI)-driven growth. A recent report from Google (https://www.google.com) highlights that training the workforce to effectively use AI can lead to substantial time savings and productivity boosts in administrative tasks. Pilot programs conducted across various sectors have shown that simple steps, like granting permission to use AI and offering a few hours of training, can significantly enhance adoption rates.

According to Google’s findings, workers could save over 120 hours a year by integrating AI into their daily tasks. The analysis, carried out in partnership with Public First, revealed that a surprising two-thirds of workers, particularly older women from lower socio-economic backgrounds, had never utilized generative AI in their jobs. This gap in AI usage underscores the importance of not just access to technology, but also the confidence to use it.

Debbie Weinstein, Google’s president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the need for “permission to prompt.” Many workers expressed uncertainty about whether it was appropriate to use AI in their roles, and providing that reassurance has proven vital. The AI Works pilots, which involved small business networks, educational trusts, and unions, demonstrated that once workers received a bit of training, their usage of AI doubled, and they continued to engage with the technology months later.

Before participating in the training, only 17% of women aged over 55 were using AI weekly, with just 9% incorporating it into their daily routines. However, after three months of training and encouragement, those numbers jumped to 56% using AI weekly and 29% daily. This dramatic shift illustrates how targeted interventions can narrow the AI adoption gap and empower workers to embrace new technologies.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the key to unlocking the economic potential of AI lies in workforce training and support. By investing in simple yet effective training programs, businesses can not only enhance productivity but also create a more inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. The journey towards AI adoption is not just about the technology itself; it’s about building confidence and capability among workers to leverage these tools for their benefit.

In conclusion, Google’s initiatives serve as a reminder that empowering workers with AI is a shared responsibility. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels equipped to participate in the AI revolution, ultimately contributing to economic growth and innovation.

Cited: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/25/tech/ai-admin-work-google-pilot-intl/index.html