On Nov. 25, Google Workspace’s new research demonstrates the widespread adoption of generative AI (gen AI) among work leaders. The study is based on a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. employees aged 22 to 39 who now hold or aspire to hold a leadership position at work.
According to the survey, 82% of the participants already leverage AI tools in their work, and almost all (98%) expect AI to impact their industry or workplace in the next five years.
Gen Z leaders are ahead using a variety of Gen AI tools. The survey found that 93% of young leaders who identify as Gen Z and 79% who identify as millennials use two or more tools weekly.
"Our research shows that emerging leaders are adopting AI to increase their impact at work," noted Yulie Kwon Kim, vice president of product at Google Workspace. "Rising leaders are not simply using AI as a tool for efficiency, but as a catalyst to help grow their careers.”
They are excited to discuss how they are using the tools. More than 50 percent of the AI users who participated regularly share their experiences and insights with coworkers, and 75% have recommended Gen AI tools to their peers.
AI provides young leaders with the boost they need at work. Aside from AI's excitement and anticipated impact, the survey found that individuals are utilizing AI to supercharge productivity and enhance communication to solve everyday challenges for the modern worker.
For example, 70% have used AI for tasks like drafting email responses, writing challenging emails from scratch, or helping to overcome language barriers.
The survey also found that 88% said they would use AI to start a task that feels overwhelming, and the same percent also agreed that AI can assist them in striking the right tone in their writing.
Eighty-seven percent of survey participants think AI can make them more comfortable writing lengthy emails on their phones. At the same time, 90% also believe they would have more confidence in joining meetings on the go if they knew AI was taking meeting notes for them. This can be particularly effective when considering hybrid work and the value of empowering people with tools to support more flexible collaboration from anywhere.
In addition to demonstrating a strong correlation between the use of gen AI and increased productivity, the data shows how AI can assist in scaling business-critical soft skills, including collaborating with others, communicating effectively, lead a team, among other tasks. It helps individuals get work done faster and more efficiently and changes how they work meaningfully. The key findings include improving management capabilities, with 86% believing that AI can help current leaders become better managers, while 79% are interested in utilizing AI to become better managers.
According to the report, 47% state that AI can help enhance communication to improve problem-solving and facilitate better relationships. With hybrid work, allowing strong communication is more critical than ever. AI can assist in strengthening cross-team communication, ensuring teams stay coordinated.
The more significant finding is that 50% recognize AI's current and possible impact on automating routine tasks, freeing up employees' time to focus on more strategic work.