UK employers are missing out on 40% of AI productivity gains, according to new research from EY, even as more workers than ever are using genAI tools in their daily tasks.

EY’s 2025 Work Reimagined Survey, which polled 800 UK employees alongside 180 employers, found that 83% of British workers now rely on AI to get them through the workday, mostly for the most basic and process-driven tasks such as search and summarisation. 

However, the survey found that less than 5% are harnessing genAI in ways that meaningfully reshape their working practices, despite 62% experiencing an increased workload over the past year.

Added to that, the survey uncovered widespread AI anxieties, with 43% of respondents saying they worry that an overreliance on the technology could erode their skills and expertise, an issue exacerbated by weak company culture around the adoption of AI. 

Less than half of UK employees (47%) said their organisation had a clear vision on how AI should be executed, while just 11% said they had received adequate AI training. 

This has resulted in more unauthorised use of AI applications, so-called ‘shadow AI’, with a third (32%) of workers using personal AI tools despite attempts by employers to offer internal solutions. 

EY said that its results show investing in AI alone does not deliver substantial productivity improvements unless it is combined with strategies for retaining talent, with the study showing that those given significant AI training are 59% more likely to move on from their current employer.

Organisations with weak talent strategies, ranging from ineffective training to weak company culture and misaligned rewards, saw AI productivity lag more than 40%.   

On the other hand, firms that combine a supportive workplace culture, better learning opportunities and a robust rewards system as part of an integrated talent strategy were found to gain more value, but only 37% of UK employers are currently on course.

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According to EY, to unlock real value from AI, organisations must excel in five key areas, namely AI adoption excellence, learning, talent health, organisational culture and reward structures.

“These findings highlight the imperative for employers to rethink their approach to talent strategy and AI adoption,” said Josie Cluer, EY partner and leader for Humans x AI.

“Whilst it’s encouraging that over four in five employees are embracing GenAI at work, a sustainable advantage requires a combination of both advanced technology and strong human foundations, with many employers missing out on substantial productivity gains because of gaps in their talent strategy.

“Only by creating an environment where talent and technology work hand in hand, can organisations achieve a true ‘Talent Advantage’ and future-proof their workforce.”