TLDR: A new study reveals that over half of Gen Z employees are actively coaching their older colleagues in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools, significantly boosting workplace productivity and opening new business opportunities. This intergenerational knowledge transfer is reshaping work dynamics, with younger workers seeing AI proficiency as crucial for career advancement.
A recent study highlights a significant trend in the modern workplace: Gen Z employees are at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, not just for their own benefit, but by actively coaching their older, more experienced colleagues to unlock substantial productivity gains. Research by the International Workplace Group (IWG), based on a survey of over 2,000 professionals in the US and UK, found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Gen Z employees are helping older colleagues integrate AI tools into their daily tasks.
This intergenerational collaboration is yielding measurable results. Approximately 72% of Gen Z employees reported that their AI coaching efforts have had a tangible impact on their team’s overall productivity. Furthermore, 57% noted that by empowering senior colleagues with AI, managers now have more time to focus on strategic priorities rather than routine tasks.
Senior leadership also acknowledges the profound impact of this trend. The IWG study revealed that 77% of Directors and Senior Directors surveyed believe Gen Z’s expertise in AI has boosted their department’s productivity. An impressive 80% also stated that AI innovations introduced by younger colleagues have unlocked new business opportunities. This support from Gen Z in using AI tools allows 77% of senior staff to concentrate on higher-value tasks.
For Gen Z, AI proficiency is not just about current job performance but also career trajectory. Four out of five (79%) Gen Z respondents believe that using AI at work is accelerating their career progression, while two-thirds (67%) expressed concern that a lack of AI proficiency could limit their career prospects. An overwhelming 92% of all respondents indicated that AI makes them more efficient, estimating an average saving of an hour per day.
Beyond individual and team productivity, AI is also enhancing collaboration, particularly in hybrid work environments. The study found that 69% of hybrid workers believe AI facilitates easier collaboration across different locations. Key improvements were identified in meeting preparation (46%), access to shared insights (36%), and more effective follow-ups (36%). Additionally, 40% reported that AI has freed up time for team-building and communication.
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, commented on these findings, stating, “The world of work is evolving rapidly. Advances in technology, particularly in AI are boosting productivity, opening up new career opportunities, and connecting different generations of expertise. These significant AI-enabled productivity gains are helping to create more connected, agile teams ready for the future of work. Younger generations are playing a pivotal role by sharing their digital skills with their colleagues, which enhances performance and uncovers new business opportunities.”
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Another study by UKG, conducted by The Harris Poll, further supports these findings, indicating that while Gen Z is embracing AI, nearly half (49%) feel their managers don’t fully grasp its potential. This research also highlighted Gen Z’s self-sufficiency, with 70% teaching themselves most of the AI tools they use at work, compared to 58% of Gen X and 40% of Boomers. Suresh Vittal, Chief Product Officer at UKG, emphasized, “Like those innovations, AI is quickly becoming ubiquitous and indispensable to work – and ignoring it now is like choosing not to use a computer or the internet.” The UKG study also found that 90% of Gen Z believe AI will save them time at work, with nearly a third expecting to reclaim an hour or more daily through automation.
