Gen Z drives AI adoption, coaching older colleagues to boost workplace productivity

Two-thirds of C-suite executives credit younger employees’ AI skills for boosting departmental productivity, while 82% of senior directors cite AI-led innovations unlocking business opportunities, and 69% of hybrid workers say AI enhances seamless teamwork with improved collaboration outcomes

A new global study by International Workplace Group (IWG) has revealed that younger employees, particularly Gen Z, are playing a critical role in accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in workplaces, reshaping productivity and collaboration in hybrid environments.

Based on a survey of more than 2,000 professionals in the U.S. and U.K., the study highlights that AI is quickly becoming an essential part of day-to-day operations. Nearly 80% of respondents reported experimenting with AI tools, with 78% saying they save an average of 55 minutes a day—almost a full working day per week. More than 86% said AI has improved efficiency, while 76% credited it with boosting career advancement, a figure that rises to 87% among Gen Z workers.

Gen Z driving cross-generational collaboration

The research underscores the growing influence of younger employees in bridging digital divides at work. Nearly 59% of Gen Z staff are actively helping senior colleagues adopt AI, enabling more experienced leaders to concentrate on higher-value priorities.

Two-thirds of C-suite executives acknowledged that these skills from younger employees have enhanced departmental productivity, while 82% of senior directors said AI-led innovations have unlocked new business opportunities. Beyond efficiency gains, 69% of hybrid workers also cited AI as making teamwork across locations more seamless, with benefits ranging from improved meeting preparation to stronger follow-ups.

Employees are eager for AI to automate time-intensive tasks such as drafting emails (43%), summarizing meetings (42%), organizing files (36%), and managing data entry (36%). Freed from routine responsibilities, 55% said they are redirecting efforts toward impactful projects, professional growth, or building stronger client and colleague relationships.

India at the forefront of AI integration

India is emerging as one of the most aggressive adopters of AI globally. The government’s ₹10,371 crore IndiaAI Mission seeks to drive widespread adoption across industries while creating jobs and boosting productivity. Studies suggest generative AI could affect 38 million jobs by 2030, potentially increasing productivity by 2.6–2.8% across both organized and unorganized sectors.

Already, 96% of Indian organizations have launched AI initiatives, according to the World Economic Forum, outpacing the global average. Indian professionals are also more enthusiastic about upskilling, with 94% believing AI mastery is essential for career growth, compared with 66% globally. The government is further supporting the shift by establishing AI Productivity Labs aimed at training half a million learners by 2026.

AI reshaping the hybrid workplace

AI is also redefining how professionals use their time in offices. Hybrid employees now dedicate in-person days to strategic thinking (41%), learning and development (41%), collaboration (40%), and networking (35%), while routine tasks are left to automation.

A majority of workers (64%) believe AI makes hybrid working smoother, and 83% recognize that continuous upskilling is essential to remain competitive. Yet concerns remain: 63% fear that failing to learn AI tools could slow their careers, and 61% worry about being left behind altogether.

Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, emphasized the generational collaboration driving this change: “Advances in AI are boosting productivity, creating opportunities, and connecting expertise across age groups. Younger employees are sharing digital skills that enhance performance and unlock new business opportunities.”