![Insights from the 2025 State of the UK Hourly Workforce Report: AI…Hype or Reality? [Part Five]](https://www.theretailbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Legion-and-TRB-Report.jpg)
Insights from the 2025 State of the UK Hourly Workforce Report: AI…Hype or Reality? [Part Five]
The Rise of AI in Retail Workforce Management is it Hype or Reality?
Why AI is No Longer Optional for Retailers
The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in retail once seemed futuristic. But in 2025, AI-powered workforce management is becoming a necessity. With labour costs rising and managers stretched thin, retailers must do more with less—and AI is emerging as the best way to achieve this.
According to the 2025 State of the UK Hourly Workforce report:
- 65% of managers believe AI can make scheduling easier.
- 63% see AI as a tool to streamline payroll and compliance tasks.
- 43% believe AI can improve team communication.
Yet despite these benefits, 50% of managers worry about resistance to AI adoption. The key question for retailers is: is AI just hype, or is it the future of workforce management?
How AI is Already Transforming Workforce Management
Many UK retailers have already adopted AI-powered workforce management platforms, and the results are clear:
🔹 Automated Scheduling: AI ensures the right employees are scheduled at the right times, eliminating guesswork and manual scheduling.
🔹 Labour Cost Optimisation: AI-driven forecasting reduces unnecessary overtime and ensures compliance with labour laws.
🔹 Better Employee Experience: AI-powered systems allow employees to self-manage shifts, swap shifts easily, and access their work schedules via mobile apps.
🔹 Reduced Manager Admin Burden: AI automation allows managers to focus on customers and employee engagement, rather than getting bogged down in admin work.
Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption
Despite the benefits, some managers and employees fear AI will replace human decision-making. However, AI is not about replacing people—it’s about enhancing efficiency.
To encourage adoption:
✅ Educate teams on AI’s role as a tool, not a replacement.
✅ Empower managers to embrace AI so they can spend more time with customers and their teams.
✅ Showcase success stories of AI improving efficiency and employee satisfaction.
📖 Download the full report HERE to learn how leading retailers are leveraging AI today.
