Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing the need for in-person business meetings rather than replacing them, according to new research commissioned by The Meetings Show. The findings challenge the common assumption that AI-driven tools automatically improve workplace efficiency and reduce the need for human interaction.
The research, published in the newly launched UK Productivity Gap Index, reveals that 62% of UK business leaders believe AI is actually increasing the need for human discussion, collaboration, and decision-making. The study builds on Northstar Travel Group’s PULSE Survey and was conducted in partnership with The Business of Events, surveying 1,000 business leaders across the United Kingdom.
AI Adoption Brings New Workplace Complexities
While AI continues to gain traction across industries, many organisations report that the technology is introducing new operational challenges. More than one-third (36%) of business leaders said AI has already had a major or significant impact on their operations, while another 30% reported experiencing moderate disruption.
Rather than simplifying workflows, AI is often creating additional layers of complexity that require teams to collaborate more closely and make decisions together.
Face-to-Face Meetings Remain Essential for Decision-Making
The study highlights the enduring value of in-person interactions in an increasingly digital workplace. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said complex or sensitive decisions are made faster when discussions take place face-to-face. That figure rises to 82% when organisations are dealing with important strategic decisions.
The findings suggest that while AI can accelerate information processing and routine tasks, human meetings remain critical for building alignment, resolving uncertainty, and reaching consensus.
UK Businesses Losing a Month of Productivity Each Year
The report also uncovered a significant productivity challenge linked to delayed decision-making. Managers estimate they lose an average of 3.9 hours every week due to unclear or postponed decisions. Over the course of a year, this equates to approximately 202 hours-or 25 working days-of lost productivity per manager.
Additionally, 50% of business leaders reported that projects frequently stall because decisions are made too slowly. Nearly half (47%) said meetings often conclude without clear outcomes, while 43% indicated that teams regularly revisit decisions that should already have been finalized.
Poor Collaboration Continues to Impact Performance
According to the research, collaboration issues are costing organisations valuable productivity. On average, leaders estimate that poor collaboration reduces workplace productivity by 14%, while one in four respondents believe the impact exceeds 20%.
The findings suggest that organisational performance is increasingly dependent on how effectively teams communicate, align priorities, and move projects forward rather than simply how hard employees work.
Hybrid Work Creates Both Opportunities and Challenges
The study also examined the long-term effects of hybrid working models. Half of business leaders believe hybrid work is slowing the development of early-career professionals. However, 59% reported that knowledge-sharing has improved since the pandemic.
These results indicate that businesses are still working to find the right balance between workplace flexibility and effective collaboration.
Industry Leaders Emphasise the Importance of Human Connection
A spokesperson for The Business of Events said the research demonstrates a significant shift in the way productivity challenges are emerging within organisations.
According to the spokesperson, productivity is increasingly determined by how effectively teams align, make decisions, and execute plans. As businesses adopt AI and flexible working practices, maintaining clarity and shared understanding becomes more important than ever.
Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director of The Meetings Show, said the research reflects the realities of modern workplaces, where productivity depends not only on technology but also on effective collaboration and decision-making.
He noted that as AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday business operations, organisations must create environments that support confident decision-making and meaningful human interaction. Marczewski added that The Meetings Show looks forward to exploring the findings further and helping businesses address these emerging workplace challenges.
AI and Human Collaboration Must Work Together
The UK Productivity Gap Index highlights an important trend for organisations embracing AI transformation. While artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and automate routine tasks, the research suggests that human interaction, face-to-face meetings, and collaborative decision-making remain essential drivers of productivity and business success.
As AI adoption continues to grow, companies may need to invest just as much in creating opportunities for meaningful human collaboration as they do in deploying new technologies.
