Google says UK workers could save over 120 hours a year on administrative tasks by using AI—unlocking a potential £400 billion ($533 billion) economic boost if the workforce is properly

trained.

In a newly released report from a pilot scheme called AI Works, Google found that small changes—like giving employees the green light to use AI tools and offering just a few hours of training—could double AI adoption rates across various industries.

The study, conducted in partnership with research firm Public First, revealed that two-thirds of workers had never used generative AI in their jobs. Those most likely to be left out? Older women from lower-income backgrounds.

Debbie Weinstein, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the pilot—run across small businesses, educational organizations, and a trade union—showed that AI could significantly ease routine workloads. On average, workers saved about 122 hours annually by automating admin tasks with AI tools.

One common hesitation among participants was the belief that using AI at work might be unfair or illegitimate. But once those concerns were addressed through simple guidance and encouragement, adoption jumped.

For example, before training, only 17% of women over 55 in the study used AI weekly and just 9% used it daily. Three months later, those numbers had climbed to 56% and 29%, respectively.

Google's findings point to a clear takeaway: with the right support, AI can level the playing field—and dramatically boost productivity. Photo by mikemacmarketing, Wikimedia commons.