As the UK AI Summit prepares to take over London this week, promising innovation, investment and transformation, new research suggests that many of the capital’s office workers are still struggling to make sense of the technology’s role in their working lives. According to a survey conducted by digital adoption expert WalkMe and Opinium, almost three-quarters (74%) of London office workers believe new AI tools are being introduced faster than they can learn to use them. While AI dominates discussions in boardrooms and headlines, employees on the ground are feeling left behind – overwhelmed by change and uncertain about what it means for their careers.

AI Anxiety: Worry Trumps Excitement for Many
The survey of 342 London-based professionals paints a picture of unease. While AI is frequently positioned as an exciting frontier in productivity and innovation, more than half (53%) of respondents said they feel worried about the technology, even though they feel they should be excited.
Younger workers are particularly affected. Among Gen Z employees, 61% reported anxiety about AI’s growing influence at work, with 51% of Millennials echoing the sentiment. Almost half (45%) of all London respondents now believe their job security depends on their ability to keep up with AI – a significant psychological shift in a city at the heart of the UK’s digital economy.

Pressure Without Support: A Capital Challenge
Beyond worry, the findings highlight a troubling culture of silence. Nearly half (45%) of workers said they don’t feel confident asking for help when struggling with AI tools. This has given rise to a performance façade: more than a third (38%) admitted to overstating their use of AI at work to appear more competent or ahead of the curve.
“AI is dominating headlines and boardrooms, across the capital and beyond, but our research reveals a stark disconnect between ambition and reality,” said Vivek Behl, VP of Strategy at WalkMe. “Employees – especially younger workers – feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsupported. If businesses continue to overlook the end user, AI risks becoming a source of stress rather than a driver of productivity.”

Looking Ahead: Hope and a Call for Leadership
Despite the current discomfort, London’s workforce remains cautiously optimistic. Sixty percent of those surveyed believe AI will improve their work lives by 2030. But to get there, they want change.
Two key demands emerge. First, 72% are calling for stronger AI protections and oversight from the government. Second, 57% say that an “AI manifesto” – a clear workplace policy outlining how AI will be used and governed – would help reduce anxiety and promote trust.
“To realise the benefits vendors are promising, organisations need clear visibility into how employees are actually using AI tools – where they’re getting stuck and what’s slowing them down,” Behl added. “Digital adoption is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s mission-critical.”
As the AI Summit kicks off, the message from London workers is clear: it’s time to match top-down ambition with grassroots support.