Trust in AI gains momentum

A new poll by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has revealed that 63% of people would trust artificial intelligence to inform—though not make—important decisions in the workplace. The findings, released during National Productivity Week, highlight the growing acceptance of AI as a decision-support tool while emphasising the continued importance of human oversight.

The survey of over 2,000 respondents showed clear boundaries in people’s trust of AI systems. While nearly two-thirds were comfortable with AI informing decisions, only 1% would trust AI to make important work decisions independently. Furthermore, 35% expressed a preference for relying solely on human intelligence for significant workplace decisions.

The CIPD, responding to these findings, is encouraging organisations to embrace AI’s potential for productivity enhancement while maintaining a human-centred approach. The professional body emphasises the importance of establishing clear guidelines for AI usage, particularly regarding ethical practices, data security measures and fair treatment of personnel.

This guidance comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the UK Government’s launch of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, an initiative aimed at accelerating growth and expanding AI use in public services—a move the CIPD has endorsed.

Business leaders and HR professionals responding to the poll acknowledged AI’s benefits while stressing the necessity of human oversight and empathy in personnel-related decisions. Many noted that trust in AI systems needs to develop gradually and that the appropriateness of AI involvement varies depending on the specific decision context.

Hayfa Mohdzaini, CIPD’s senior policy and practice adviser for technology, provided insight into the findings: "There’s no question that AI is transforming jobs, careers and workplaces at a rapid pace. By fostering a culture of experimentation and shared learning, organisations can help employees to develop their skills and become more comfortable using new technologies."

Mohdzaini emphasised that while AI has proven effective in supporting decision-making and streamlining processes, human judgment remains crucial. "When used alongside human judgment, and in a responsible and ethical way, AI can enhance jobs and increase productivity," she noted.