UK managers see AI benefits despite data security concerns

New research by people insights company Visier has revealed that a significant majority of UK people managers believe artificial intelligence (AI) tools can enhance their role effectiveness.

According to the study, 86% of UK managers feel positive about the role of generative AI in improving their job performance. However, notable concerns about data privacy and security remain prevalent among these professionals.

The comprehensive research surveyed over 750 people managers across the UK, U.S., Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland, shedding light on key factors shaping managers' decision-making processes and the potential for integrating AI tools to streamline workflows. Despite widespread enthusiasm, a substantial 33% of UK respondents expressed worries regarding data privacy and security. Additionally, 33% reported that their organisations do not permit the use of generative AI tools, and 15% do not trust these technologies.

Ben Harris, Vice President EMEA at Visier, pointed out the reliance on intuition and practical experience over hard data in current decision-making processes. He noted that many managers find accessing data both time-consuming and challenging, leading to a dependence on instinct. "People managers in every sector are under severe pressure. Considering organisations possess vast amounts of useful data, improving access to this information—particularly for those who are not data analysts—can enhance decision-making accuracy and align with overall organisational strategy," said Harris.

The survey highlighted a strong belief in using generative AI-powered tools among managers, showcasing how these technologies could guide decisions on hiring, promotions, engagement, productivity, and efficiency. In terms of adoption, 52% of UK respondents stated they have already employed generative AI tools to support their roles, compared to 64% of global respondents. Additionally, 59% of UK managers use AI to assist in writing performance reviews, surpassing the global average of 49%. An impressive 93% of UK respondents would use a generative AI tool multiple times a week if it aligned with their desired use cases.

Keith Bigelow, Chief Product Officer at Visier, highlighted the transformative potential of generative AI. He stated, "Generative AI has the ability to democratise access, providing deep insights within the flow of work without the need to become proficient in analytics tools. Its benefits extend beyond data delivery, acting as a personal coach to every employee, delivering real-time insights in an unprecedented and scalable manner." Bigelow emphasised the necessity of balancing data-driven insights and experience in managerial decision-making to maintain organisational strategy and competitive edge.

While the benefits are clear, the survey also underscored the importance of trust in AI tools. Thirty-three per cent of UK managers reported data privacy and security concerns. Moreover, another 33% highlighted organisational restrictions on AI tool usage, and 15% expressed a general distrust of such technologies. This indicates that for AI to be fully embraced, issues surrounding safety and security must be addressed.

The findings suggest that managers are eager to utilise AI to alleviate some of the pressures they face and improve their operational efficiency. Notably, 36% of managers indicated that the time saved by AI could be redirected to essential team planning activities, while 30% would focus on coaching their teams. In the UK, personal learning and development ranked as the second highest priority for time saved through AI with 29% of respondents favouring this option.

As AI evolves, it is evident that its integration into managerial roles presents both opportunities and challenges. Trust and data security remain significant hurdles, but the potential for AI to enhance decision-making and streamline workflows continues to generate considerable interest among UK managers.