Women at risk of falling behind at work due to AI skills gap
If you’re worried about keeping up with artificial intelligence at work, you’re not alone – even Google’s UK boss admits she needs dedicated time to master it. But new research suggests the real concern isn’t just about falling behind technology; it’s about who gets left behind, and women are at particular risk.
Kate Alessi, Google’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, blocks out three hours every week just to experiment with AI tools. Despite running one of the world’s biggest tech companies, she recognises that staying current with artificial intelligence requires deliberate effort and commitment.
The bigger picture is concerning. Google’s research shows that whilst three-quarters of us use AI in some form, only 15 per cent are what’s considered “sophisticated users” – and the majority of those are men. For women aged over 55, the figures are even starker: just 4 per cent are advanced AI users, and nearly a quarter don’t know where to start.
This matters for your career and earning potential. Younger, male colleagues who master AI tools are positioning themselves for promotions and pay rises, whilst mid-life women risk being left in the slow lane. It’s not a confidence problem alone – it’s partly a permissions issue. Google’s research found that women are more cautious about using AI at work unless their employer explicitly approves it, whilst men are more willing to experiment regardless.
So what can you do? Start by asking your employer for clear guidance on acceptable AI use at work. Many companies are still figuring this out, so explicit permission could free you up to learn without worry. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to begin: AI tools are designed to be user-friendly. Start small – use them to help with data analysis, writing tasks, or even identifying what’s growing in your garden, as Alessi does.
If your workplace offers AI training, take it. If not, ask for it. The good news is that mastering basic AI skills is genuinely straightforward for anyone willing to spend time experimenting.
The risk of entrenched inequality is real, but so is the opportunity. Don’t let age or gender hold you back from developing skills that increasingly employers value.