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Nearly a third of UK small business admits they are scared to implement AI, despite its benefits
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The employee sentiment is intensifying these concerns – A quarter of small business workers have expressed concern over AI usage
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By not implementing AI in their small business, they are missing out on time savings that could help them grow. One in four people believe that AI can allow them to work a 4-day week.
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In this context, 40% of respondents want AI products that are easy to use, and almost a third, or 29%, say they prefer AI features in the tools or products the company already uses
According a new study by the hiring platform In factspan size=”font-weight 400 ;”>, Despite the benefits, almost one third of UK small businesses (31%) are afraid to implement AI.
According to Indeed’s survey, 41% of British small business owners want to integrate AI in their business but don’t have a clue where to begin. The paralysis of small businesses, which make up 99.2% the UK’s total number of business people, means they are missing out the improvements in costs and efficiency that AI could bring.
Personal pressure and employee pushback escalate AI concerns
AI anxiety is increasing among small business owners who don’t wish to take any risks. 38% of small business owners say they are responsible for the success of their company, and therefore, they cannot take any risks with AI. A similar number (39%) says it is better to stick to the things they know. 37% say the reputational risk of AI is too high.
Small businesses are also concerned about employee opinion. 33% of small business owners find it hard to encourage their employees to use AI in the workplace. More than a quarter of them (26%) have even reported direct pushback by their colleagues. Even when employees have agreed to use the technology, there are still concerns. 43% of small business owners worry that employees using AI without permission could harm the company.
Small businesses say that their size is an obstacle to AI implementation
AI implementation presents unique challenges and opportunities for small businesses. Nearly half of small businesses (48%) say they are at a disadvantage when it comes time to implement AI. It’s not surprising that 41% of respondents also believe large companies are better able to allocate the budget needed to implement AI tools.
Fears of AI prevent small businesses from achieving greater efficiency and happiness
Despite their concerns, small business owners acknowledge that successful AI implementation has many benefits, which they may not be able to reap due to their fears. Onboarding AI is believed to be a key factor in taking businesses to the next stage by half of small business owners (49%)
Onboarding AI has the greatest benefit for small businesses who are usually bogged down with day-today tasks, and have no time to think about long-term strategies. The biggest gain is an increase in efficiency (49%), followed by a reduction of time-consuming low-value jobs (44%). Small business owners are then able to focus on the bigger picture. Nearly a third (30%) believe that AI will improve product development and innovation, while a similar number (29%) say it will aid in decision-making.
Over 2/5 (41%) mention cost savings as a potential benefit. This shows that, while small businesses may feel at a cost disadvantage when introducing the technology, it can improve their financial situation in the long run. Nearly 2 out of 5 (38%) think that AI can improve employee performance to the point that they will be able to offer better financial incentives and benefits.
AI is also said to make the work of small business owners and their teams more enjoyable. 43% believe that AI will improve work satisfaction, since AI will take care of mundane tasks. One third (35%) of small business owners believe AI will help them achieve a better balance between work and life, while a similar number (31%) think it will increase their job satisfaction and happiness. A quarter of respondents (24%) believe that AI will allow for a four-day week.
Even in some areas, small businesses have an advantage over larger ones – 41% believe that small businesses are more flexible and free to integrate AI. More than two-fifths (44%) believe that AI can level the playing fields between smaller and larger businesses.
Small businesses are looking for AI products that are easy to use and feature-rich
Small businesses want to use AI tools which are easy to use, less risky, and cheaper. This will allow them reap the benefits while avoiding the implementation pitfalls they are afraid of. Small businesses are looking for AI products that are easy to use (40%). 29% would like AI features in products or services they already use.
Small business owners are aware that they may need help from outside. 29% of them say AI integration consulting would be helpful in their AI journey. A quarter (26%) is interested in government grants and subsidies.
In order to support small businesses in their AI adoption efforts, Indeed and Small Business Britain are continuing the ‘People for Business” programme. This program will help small firms overcome obstacles so that they can achieve growth goals. Small businesses can access a free AI webinar as part of the programme. Sign up HERE to participate in the webinar.
Caroline Barbour Senior Marketing Manager at the matching and hiring platform Indeed, said:
Small businesses are at the heart of the UK economy. It is vital that they can grow and adapt to the latest technologies. While small business owners may be hesitant to tackle AI, they also recognize the benefits AI can bring their businesses. Small businesses need the right tools and features to help them navigate the AI wave.
“The People for Business Programme’s free AI webinar will give small businesses the information, guidance and support they need to confidently and successfully implement AI and take their business the next step.”
Michelle Ovens CBE is the founder of Small Business Britain. She said:
AI is one of the most significant generational changes that the world will see in the future. It is vital that small businesses do not get left behind despite the fear and apprehension they may feel. Small businesses need all the support they can get to help them navigate this journey, and understand and explore AI’s potential.
The first time this post appeared was on HR News.
