The Future Unlocked report shows tech adoption across key sectors like retail, finance and healthcare can improve the workplace experience and deliver rapid growth over the next five years, effectively offsetting the impact of staff absence due to sickness.

The findings come soon after latest data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reveals UK workers took an average of 9.4 sick days last year, almost double pre-pandemic levels. Mental health accounted for 41 % of long-term absences and a third of shortterm leave, as rising workplace stress holds back UK productivity.

One of the main drivers of economic inactivity, ill health is also the focus of the Keep Britain Working Review published earlier this month. This government-led initiative, supported by BT, aims to make health at work a shared responsibility between employers, employees and health services.

The study also finds that almost three-quarters( 71 %) of UK workers think innovations like AI will drive efficiency in the workplace, while two-thirds( 66 %) believe it will help them improve their work / life balance. Expectations on progress and the current state of tech adoption vary across sectors. While 97 % of C-suite leaders in finance believe nearly half of tasks will be automated by 2030, two in five within retail describe their current workplace systems as‘ basic’.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, said:“ Unlocking productivity gains across the business community is one of the biggest challenges we face if we’ re to deliver sustained economic growth nationwide. We live in an increasingly digital age; only by embracing modern technologies such as AI and the cloud and enabling them with fast, secure and reliable connectivity will we see a healthy productivity boost.

“ Innovation and automation can empower teams to deliver their best work efficiently, which boosts retention and job satisfaction. By focusing on improving connectivity over the next five years, companies will not only supercharge productivity but also take practical steps towards improving staff retention and customer experience.”

With 79 % of employees reporting moderate-to-high levels of stress at work, one in four employees say they have quit, or at least considered it, due to tech frustrations in the workplace. Future Unlocked suggests technology can help businesses tackle burnout.

Currently only 7 % of UK employees view their workplace technology as leading edge, while three-quarters( 77 %) believe their employers must radically step up training and upskilling to prepare for the AI revolution. x

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