British firms reshape workforce for AI amid staff resistance to office return

British business leaders are adapting their workforces to accommodate the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), despite ongoing resistance from some employees to returning to the office. KPMG's 2026 global CEO outlook reveals that while 87% of British bosses anticipate a return on AI investments within three years, ethical concerns surrounding AI have become a significant priority for 81% of these executives.

The Big Four accounting firms' outlook highlights that restructuring the workforce is a key strategy for integrating human elements with emerging technology. Consequently, 77% of CEOs are actively redesigning roles to facilitate collaboration between humans and AI, and 77% are also hiring new AI/tech talent. However, the persistent skills gap, challenges in upskilling employees for AI, and the lingering reluctance of some staff to return to the office continue to pose significant obstacles.

Jon Holt, the group chief executive of KPMG UK and Switzerland, emphasized that human judgment remains crucial to AI success, stating that "human skills are more important than ever" as businesses seek to leverage the opportunities presented by AI. Despite optimism regarding their company's three-year growth prospects, with 86% of British bosses expressing confidence, Holt cautioned that "confidence alone is not enough."

He stressed that the UK must provide clear policy certainty through the upcoming Budget and create the right conditions for sustained country-wide economic growth to convert this business confidence into tangible investments and job creation.