Taking Stock of the Rise in Gen Z’s AI Adoption in the Workplace

Gen Z AI adoption in the workplace is on the rise, keeping pace with the monumental technological changes occurring within the workspace. A new survey conducted by Harris Poll and commissioned by Google Workspace provided some insight into Gen Z AI work habits, and it revealed that 82% of individuals who were surveyed were already utilizing AI tools as a part of their work.

The survey spoke to 1,000 U.S.-based knowledge workers who were aged between 22 and 39 years old, all of whom either currently held or aspired to hold a leadership position at work. These young leaders show that Gen Z’s reliance on AI at work is on the rise but this doesn’t have to be compartmentalized into a bad thing just yet.

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Gen Z AI Adoption in the Workplace Shows Us the Changing Nature of Work

The Google Workspace AI survey has brought out a vast array of insights into the minds and daily experiences of young leaders. Over 82% of the polled Gen Zers are already utilizing AI tools in the workplace and 98% of them are certain these tools will have a great impact on their industry in the next 5 years. To break it down further, 93% of Gen Z workers and 79% of millennials admitted to using two or more of the AI tools on a weekly basis. 

The arrival of generative AI on the scene has left workers and their respective industry alarmed because of the unpreparedness that they feel and the constant fear of being replaced. Despite the initial concerns, however, there is a growing acceptance of AI, where knowledge workers who have the most number of avenues to use the resources available are starting to explore how it can help them improve their work. 

Gen Z’s reliance on AI at work is being spurred by the many benefits they have discovered after experimenting with these tools.

AI Tools Are a Great Way to Simplify Work

AI has not reached a point where it is capable of replacing workers or doing a better job compared to the employees themselves, but it is definitely a great support tool to keep around. Young leaders who are overwhelmed with their tasks and unsure of where to begin are turning to AI to get started with their work. 

Using AI as a tool for organizing work or dealing with “task paralysis” has become an easy way to begin experimenting with the tools available, especially for those unfamiliar with artificial intelligence.

Workers surveyed in the Gen Z poll are also using AI tools to improve the quality of their writing as formulating a well-worded document isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Workers who are experts in their field are sometimes hindered by the many language barriers that exist, which is one place where AI can be extremely useful. 

These individuals also feel that AI can help them become more confident about composing complex emails on their phones or joining meetings on the go while the AI takes notes. AI tools are capable of a wide range of tasks and while they aren’t perfect, they are certainly useful.

Can AI Bolster Leadership Skills?

Interestingly, not only is Gen Z’s adoption of AI in the workplace benefitting them by simplifying their work, but these individuals also feel that AI can be useful in skill building. No, AI cannot directly inject confidence into our systems just yet, but it can be used for tasks such as improving communication or helping leaders become better managers as they get a more firm grip on the varied situations they are confronted with that challenge their own abilities. 

AI automation is one of the key trends that we’ve discussed for HR teams, but if expanded to the overall organization, other workers can also focus on resolving pressing tasks or engaging in strategic work after they are freed from their repetitive routine.

Gen Z’s AI work habits are leading the way for a more widespread acceptance of AI as 50% of them admit to regularly sharing their insights with their coworkers and 75% admit to suggesting these Gen AI tools to their peers. The more the workforce is familiarized with AI, the easier it will be for them to keep pace with the AI technology that is all set to revolutionize the way we work.

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