Worker trust in leadership declines as AI adoption rises

TL;DR: Only 14% of UK workers trust senior leaders to make correct decisions (down 12 percentage points), whilst 76% now use AI tools at work. Employees cite lack of empathy and transparency, with AI tools filling leadership gaps by providing greater autonomy and improved work-life balance.

HP’s 2025 Work Relationship Index has revealed a significant erosion of worker confidence in organisational leadership, with only 14% of 1,300 UK employees surveyed trusting senior leaders to make appropriate decisions—a 12 percentage point decline from the previous year.

Context and Background

The study identified critical leadership deficiencies, with 86% of workers noting insufficient empathy and transparent communication from senior management. Two in five employees (41%) believe their organisations prioritise profit over people, suggesting a fundamental disconnect between leadership priorities and workforce expectations.

Paradoxically, whilst trust in human leadership declines, technology adoption is accelerating. Three-quarters (76%) of UK employees now use AI tools across productivity, content creation, and data analysis functions. Workers who use company-provided AI tools daily report significantly higher workplace satisfaction, with two in five expressing contentment with their roles.

The data demonstrates that AI tools are providing the autonomy and support that leadership currently lacks, with 76% of employees reporting improved work-life balance through technology that reduces repetitive and administrative tasks.

Looking Forward

HP Northern Europe MD Neil Sawyer emphasised that organisations democratising AI access, providing comprehensive training, and embedding technology into daily workflows are already experiencing higher employee fulfilment and loyalty. The study also revealed generational differences, with four in five Gen Z workers willing to sacrifice salary for increased flexibility and autonomy.

HP recommends three priorities for employers: leading with empathy and transparency to promote open communication, investing in tools and skills to equip workers adequately, and enabling hybrid work arrangements with greater autonomy to provide the flexibility modern workers demand.

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