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Transforming Workplace Cultures

Unlocking the AI Grey Zone

AI is already embedded in most large organisations, but our latest research reveals a hidden “grey zone” between how business leaders think AI is being used and how employees experience it day-to-day.

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Why AI alignment matters to organisations

Shaping productivity, culture and trust across the workforce starts with understanding the disconnect between leaders and their people.

94%

of leaders say their organisation uses AI tools, yet only 62% of employees say they use AI in their role

75%

of employees and 74% of leaders believe productivity would improve if AI was better aligned with how work is actually done

An extra £20bn

in operating cost savings across UK enterprises

£40bn

a year in redeployable staff time due to better aligned AI

Where AI delivers, but value is lost

The biggest gains will come when leaders and employees move forward together. With the right approach, organisations can turn today’s experimentation into a human‑first AI strategy that cuts admin, unlocks better decisions and gives people more time for meaningful work.

  • One in five employees (19%) say 11–20% of their time could be redirected through increased AI use – almost a day a week on higher‑value work
  • 69% of employees believe entering or checking basic data and records should be AI‑led, compared with 44% of leaders
  • 64% of leaders at AI‑using organisations agree AI improves the quality of their outputs
  • 59% of AI‑using employees agree it improves the quality of their work

What the research reveals

Based on a survey of over 600 business leaders and 1,000 employees across large organisations in the UK and Ireland, this report explores how AI is used today, where expectations diverge, and what this means for workplace culture and performance. It is designed for HR, payroll, workforce and business leaders who want AI to support people as well as results.

Inside The Grey Zone: The Untapped Advantage of AI Alignment Report, you’ll discover:

  • How widespread AI adoption really is: 94% of leaders say their organisation uses AI tools, yet only 62% of employees say they use AI in their role
  • Where leaders and employees most disagree on how AI should be used
  • Why many employees feel shut out of AI decisions
  • How better‑aligned use of AI could increase productivity, address stress and morale while driving significant savings in operating costs

This is practical insight you can use to shape AI strategy, people policies and communication.

Turning insight into action

By the time you finish this report, you’ll better understand:

  • Where your organisation sits in the AI grey zone – and what it means for productivity, stress and trust

  • How leaders’ and employees’ expectations of AI diverge most, and how that impacts adoption and culture

  • How to make more confident decisions about deploying AI so it frees up time for higher value work and strengthens your workplace culture

  • When businesses listen, act boldly and embrace AI as a tool for human empowerment they transform their workplace culture

Get the Grey Zone Report

Simply fill in your details to access and download the report.