UK Civil Servants Boost Productivity With AI Copilot

A UK government trial involving 20,000 civil servants using Microsoft 365 Copilot found that the AI assistant saved employees an average of 26 minutes per day on routine tasks such as drafting documents, managing emails, and scheduling meetings. Over 70% of participants reported reduced time spent on mundane activities, while 82% said they would not want to return to pre-AI workflows. These time savings could mean about 13 extra working days per year per employee. Some users experienced limited benefits due to concerns about security and handling sensitive data. Overall, the trial indicated significant productivity gains and cost savings for the public sector, with the success prompting further interest in AI adoption. The results highlight AI's current impact on workplace efficiency and raise questions about broader implications for workforce productivity and job displacement.