More than half of generation Z employees are coaching older colleagues on artificial intelligence, driving cross-generational collaboration and unlocking nearly a full extra day of productivity per week, according to a new report from the International Workplace Group.
The survey, which polled more than 1,000 Canadian professionals, found 75 per cent of workers have experimented with AI tools and 73 per cent said these tools save them an average of 47 minutes per day, allowing employees to reallocate time to higher-value activities such as creative work, strategic planning and learning and development.
Read: Millennials, gen Z workers staying in roles for 2.7 years on average: report
Younger employees are emerging as key accelerators of AI adoption. Fifty-five per cent of gen Z workers are helping older colleagues learn and integrate AI into daily workflows. Nearly 60 per cent of company directors said this support lets them focus on higher-value responsibilities and 61 per cent report younger colleagues’ AI innovations have opened new business opportunities. Among C-suite leaders, 52 per cent say gen Z employees’ AI skills have improved productivity and 48 per cent have seen improvements in the quality of younger staff’s work.
Workers across age groups report AI is eliminating time-consuming tasks, particularly drafting emails, summarizing meetings and organizing files. As routine work is automated, 59 per cent say they’re spending more time on high-impact projects, 45 per cent are investing in professional development and 36 per cent are using the time to improve their well-being.
The research also highlights AI’s role in strengthening hybrid work. More than half of hybrid employees, or 56 per cent, say AI is making it easier to collaborate across locations by improving meeting preparation, translation and transcription and follow-ups. With routine tasks handled by automation, hybrid workers are increasingly prioritizing strategic thinking, learning and development, face-to-face collaboration and networking during in-office days.
Read: Survey finds gen Z, millennials seeking supportive, trusting employers
However, the survey noted employees are aware of the stakes. Nearly six in 10 workers worry a lack of AI skills could slow their career progression and 53 per cent believe employees who avoid AI risk being left behind. Still, 47 per cent said AI is helping bridge generational divides and 44 per cent report regularly sharing AI knowledge with colleagues, rising to 55 per cent among gen Z.