91% of UK executives and tech workers say they are AI-savvy, but over three quarters are faking it   

New research from Pluralsight reveals majority of tech workers exaggerate their AI knowledge, and some hide their use of the technology as fears remain about being replaced

Businesses are keen to embrace AI, but tech teams may not be ready to work with the technology – according to new research from technology upskilling platform Pluralsight.

The survey of 600 UK executives and technology workers reveals that while 91% believe they already have the skills to use AI in their daily roles, over three quarters (77%) admit they have pretended to know more about AI than they actually do.

The research also uncovers emerging attitudes around the use of AI, the real state of AI readiness, and the risks businesses face if they don’t close the current skills gap fast.

A culture of ‘AI shaming’ is emerging in UK businesses

86% of UK companies are either already using AI or plan to, and almost all (93%) have been fast-tracking AI initiatives in the last six months. The workplace is undergoing a significant transformation – but a culture of AI shaming has emerged.

59% of those surveyed feel that their organisation views the use of AI as ‘lazy, a sentiment which rises to 73% among C-suite executives. This drives nearly a third (31%) of UK tech employees to hide their use of AI tools to avoid judgement, and 65% have noticed their coworkers using AI without admitting it.

Chris McClellan, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Pluralsight, explains that “Using AI at work isn’t about cutting corners. When used correctly, it’s a way to increase efficiency and alleviate talented workers from routine tasks. Businesses must build cultures where employees are trained to use AI effectively and safely and see its value, rather than demonising it.”

UK executives need to implement clear guidelines for AI use

As AI becomes more widely used, tech workers and executives need to be aligned on where and how it is used, and ethical adoption should be prioritised. Currently, only 31% of tech workers say they have witnessed AI misuse, but 59% of executives believe questionable AI activity is happening within their company. This gap suggests differing definitions of ethical AI use and highlights the need for clear guidelines to be implemented by leaders.

Commenting on the findings, McClellan said, “The gap in identifying AI misuse highlights that leaders must do more to implement clear, consistent strategies for where and when AI is used and ensure all employees are armed with the right skills to work safely with AI. Without a clear understanding of the right ways to use AI, UK businesses risk wasted investment, inefficiencies and even security threats.”

AI is creating more jobs – but we need the right skills

The research also uncovers ongoing concerns about AI replacing jobs, with 93% of executives and tech workers still feeling there is a risk AI will replace them. This is despite 44% of UK businesses saying they have actually added more roles due to the growth of the technology.

Rather than worrying about being replaced, workers should be focused on keeping their skills sharp and be able to work alongside AI in today’s job market. Nearly half (47%) of UK executives say AI skills are a strongly preferred qualification for getting hired today, and only 6% do not factor in AI skills when hiring. 94% also agree that staying up to date on AI skills is the best way to ensure having a job in a competitive market.

Because of ongoing skills gaps in AI, 87% of companies are likely to replace or outsource talent to get AI projects off the ground, making upskilling to work with the technology even more vital for employees.

McClellan adds, “We can see that businesses are creating new roles as they look to harness the potential of AI. The key for tech workers isn’t to resist AI; it’s about leaning into upskilling. Employees who proactively learn to work alongside AI will be the ones shaping the future of the workplace, not being replaced by it. Executives must be conscious of this too, and provide the right training for employees to be equipped for the new working world.”