A recent survey commissioned by HP Inc. UK, conducted by polling company YouGov, has highlighted a significant administrative burden faced by UK workers, many of whom report forfeiting their lunch breaks and other personal commitments to keep up with workplace demands. The study, which surveyed around 1,200 UK workers, reveals that 40% of employees never manage to take a full hour for lunch, and nearly 30% often skip the break entirely to focus on tasks like compiling meeting notes and filling in timesheets.
According to the survey results, 16% of respondents say they spend as much as 40% of their workday on administrative tasks, leaving limited time for their core responsibilities. The effects of these demands appear to spill over into workers’ personal lives, with 22% reporting they have missed medical appointments, and over one in five stating they have been unable to attend key events at their children’s schools due to work commitments. Furthermore, 29% say they have foregone exercise sessions as they struggle to meet their daily workload.
HP’s research comes at a time when AI is increasingly seen as a potential solution to reduce repetitive tasks, freeing up time for employees to focus on high-priority responsibilities and personal well-being. The HP Work Relationship Index (WRI), a broader workplace study commissioned globally, found that 42% of employees and more than half of business leaders believe AI could help manage tedious tasks, a move they feel could improve workplace satisfaction.
Neil Sawyer, HP’s Managing Director for the Northwest Europe market, remarked on AI’s growing role in the future of work: “AI is poised to transform the way we work, allowing employees to focus on meaningful tasks and leaving mundane ones to technology. According to our WRI, 65% of UK workers believe that AI could make their jobs easier. At HP, we’re committed to empowering employees with AI to help achieve this vision.”
In line with this push towards reducing workplace admin, HP is offering selected UK workers a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of AI firsthand. On 29 October, HP will host a complimentary lunch event at Hawksmoor Wood Wharf. Participants can “pay” for their meal by submitting an administrative task, such as document analysis or report writing, which HP’s AI PC will complete for them. The initiative aims to demonstrate the time-saving potential of AI, with guests receiving a simplified breakdown showing how AI could handle their chosen task.
HP’s OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 AI PC is the company’s latest AI-driven device, showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence in everyday work functions. Powered by the Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor, the device is part of the Intel® Evo™ series, designed for high performance and seamless integration of AI features. The OmniBook’s AI Companion tool enables users to ask questions, analyse documents, and automate workflows, providing targeted assistance on a range of administrative tasks.
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 also includes robust security measures, featuring lock-on-leave and wake-on-approach functionalities to ensure that users’ files and data remain secure. Priced from £1,699.99, the device is available now on HP.com.
As AI increasingly enters the workspace, HP’s initiative underscores its vision of empowering employees with technology to improve productivity and enhance work-life balance, paving the way for more meaningful work experiences in the future.
