AI could cause ‘productivity boom', research finds

In its AI Opportunity Report, TeamViewer said that 77% of UK decision makers said that AI had helped them acquire new skills they otherwise would not have learned, with executive-level respondent saying AI could lead to an average revenue increase of 270%.

The research found that 76% of UK respondents agreed that AI allows them to focus on more high-level strategic work, with 82% of UK decision-makers engaging with AI at least weekly, a rise from last year’s 52%.

TeamViewer said that IT professionals are leading the way in using AI tools, currently saving an average of 16 hours each month, compared with six hours saved by public sector employees.  

AI was also helping with organisations’ outcomes, with 47% of UK respondents – and 70% of executives – trusting AI to forecast future business scenarios.

A third ( 32%) of UK decision makers and 61% of executives said they trusted AI to make decisions without human oversight, although 69% of UK respondents said they use AI cautiously with security measures in place and 94% agreed that more training is needed to mitigate AI risks.  

In addition, 81% of UK respondents expected more training will be provided in the next six to 12 months.

Two-thirds ( 66%) of UK decision makers would be willing to make bets on their organisation’s ability to manage AI-related risks.

However, the majority of respondents in the UK ( 68%) agreed that the hype around AI is over, and businesses now want practical applications that deliver real-world results. 

The results are based on a survey of 1,400 information technology, business and operational technology decision-makers in the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Singaore and the US about AI. The interviews were carried out by Sapio Research in August and September 2024 using an email invitation and online survey. 

Constanze Backhaus, chief human resources officer at TeamViewer, said: “AI offers immense potential for fostering equal opportunities in the workplace by supporting employees in overcoming challenges  and streamlining tasks at all levels.

“Beyond just enhancing productivity, these tools enable more seamless collaboration across departments and roles, ensuring that every individual, from desk workers to frontline staff, can contribute effectively to the organisation’s  success.”