Google Says AI Can Save UK Workers 122 Hours a Year in Administrative Tasks — Potential £400 Billion Boost to Economy

In a new report that could signal a turning point in workplace productivity, Google has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to save UK workers up to 122 hours per year in administrative tasks. The tech giant further estimates that if the country embraces AI adoption and adequately trains its workforce, Britain could unlock an economic boost worth £400 billion (approximately $533 billion).

The report stems from Google’s “AI Works” pilot scheme, carried out in the United Kingdom in partnership with research agency Public First. The pilot tested the effects of AI tools—particularly generative AI, such as Google’s own Gemini chatbot—on routine work tasks in sectors like education, unions, and small businesses.

One of the most compelling findings was that simple administrative chores, such as scheduling, data entry, and summarizing information, could be drastically reduced through AI usage. On average, workers in the pilot program saved 122 hours a year—equivalent to roughly three full work weeks.

But beyond the numbers, the report highlights a more human challenge: confidence and permission. According to Debbie Weinstein, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, one of the largest barriers to adoption was not technical ability but a psychological one. Many employees, especially older women from lower socio-economic backgrounds, hesitated to use AI simply because they weren't sure they were allowed to.

"People wanted 'permission to prompt'," Weinstein explained. "They asked, 'Is it okay for me to be doing this?' And giving them that reassurance was really important."

This reluctance to engage with AI wasn’t isolated. According to the research, nearly two-thirds of workers in the pilot had never used generative AI tools before. Prior to the program, only 17% of women over the age of 55 used AI at least once a week, and just 9% used it daily. However, after just a few hours of training and encouragement, these numbers improved dramatically. Within three months, 56% were using AI weekly, and 29% had adopted it as a daily habit.

These findings underscore the importance of not just introducing new technologies in the workplace, but also providing accessible training and a culture of encouragement to foster adoption. The report suggests that with just a few hours of onboarding, companies can double the rate of AI usage among employees.

The broader implication is that a relatively small investment in workforce training could yield massive national benefits. With the right level of support, AI could streamline processes, reduce stress, and open up time for more creative or strategic work.

According to Google, this isn’t just about making individual workers more efficient—it’s about transforming entire sectors. With AI tools handling repetitive administrative tasks, employees can focus on higher-value contributions, boosting both job satisfaction and economic output.

This also comes at a critical time for the UK, which, like many developed economies, is navigating economic uncertainty, productivity stagnation, and workforce shortages in several key industries. AI could offer a long-term solution to these challenges, but only if the government and private sector are willing to invest in education and accessibility.

The AI Works pilot included various types of organisations—from small businesses to educational trusts and worker unions—ensuring that insights were drawn from a diverse range of workplace environments. Across the board, participants reported improved productivity, reduced task fatigue, and a willingness to continue using AI long after the pilot ended.

However, the report also warns against assuming that AI adoption will happen automatically. Concerns about fairness, job displacement, and data privacy remain significant. Weinstein noted that while AI can greatly assist workers, clear communication and ethical guidelines are essential to ensure its responsible use.

As more companies around the world begin to integrate generative AI into their workflows, the UK’s experience with Google’s AI Works program could serve as a blueprint. With strategic investment and a people-first approach, AI might not just change the future of work—it could also rewrite the trajectory of national economies.

In conclusion, Google’s findings send a strong message to policymakers and business leaders alike: AI is not just a technological upgrade, it’s an economic opportunity. And to seize that opportunity, the UK must empower its workforce—not just with tools, but with the confidence and training to use them effectively.