A global study by the International Workplace Group (IWG) reveals that Generation Z employees are significantly influencing AI adoption in the workplace, coaching their older colleagues in using AI tools to enhance productivity and collaboration.
The research indicates that 78% of workers feel AI has saved them time, averaging 55 minutes per day—equivalent to a full extra day of productivity each week.
The survey, which included over 2,000 professionals from the US and UK, shows that 80% of employees have experimented with AI tools.
Nearly two-thirds of younger employees (59%) are actively helping their senior colleagues adopt these technologies, leading to improved task efficiency for 86% of respondents. Furthermore, 76% acknowledge that AI is accelerating their career advancement, a figure that rises to 87% among Gen Z workers.
“The world of work is evolving rapidly. Advances in technology, particularly in AI, are boosting productivity, opening new career opportunities, and connecting different generations of expertise,” said Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG.
This generational collaboration is key, as 82% of Senior Directors report that innovations introduced by younger employees have unlocked new business opportunities.
In terms of practical applications, workers are keen to delegate time-consuming tasks to AI. The most common tasks targeted for automation include drafting emails (43%), summarising meeting notes (42%), and organising files (36%).
As a result, employees are reallocating their time towards more meaningful work, with 55% focusing on high-impact projects and 40% nurturing relationships with colleagues and clients.
In Singapore, the importance of AI adoption is underscored by government initiatives. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has highlighted AI as a national priority, aiming to transform sectors through automation and advanced applications.
The World Economic Forum projects that by 2030, technology will handle 36% of workplace tasks in Singapore, freeing workers to engage in more impactful activities.
The momentum for AI adoption is not limited to younger professionals. Randstad Singapore’s 2025 Employer Brand Research indicates that half of employees believe AI will enhance their work, with regular usage rising to 21%. Notably, Gen Z and Gen X workers are leading this charge, reflecting a broader willingness to adopt AI across generations.
As organisations continue to embrace AI, the collaborative efforts between generations are fostering a more agile and connected workforce, ready to meet the challenges of the future.
