India, 02nd September 2025 : A new global study from International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest platform for work and provider of flexible workspace, reveals that Gen Z employees are playing a pivotal role in driving AI adoption across the workforce, coaching older colleagues to help unlock productivity and collaboration gains in hybrid working environments.
The study, based on a survey of over 2,000 professionals across the US and UK[1], shows that AI is becoming a cornerstone of how teams, particularly those working in a hybrid model, operate. 80% of workers have experimented with AI tools, and 78% say it has saved them time, averaging 55 minutes of saved time per day, equivalent to almost an extra full working day per week.
An overwhelming 86% say AI has helped them complete tasks more efficiently, and 76% report that it is directly accelerating their career advancement, with this figure rising to 87% among Gen Z workers.
Cross-generational collaboration key to unlocking AI gains
Cross-generational collaboration is central to this transformation. Nearly two-thirds (59%) of younger employees are actively helping older, more tenured colleagues adopt and learn to use AI tools, with 80% of Senior Directors reporting that this support lets them focus on higher-value tasks.
Two-thirds of C-suite leaders say younger staff’s AI skills have improved their department’s productivity, and 82% of Senior Directors report that AI innovations introduced by younger colleagues have unlocked new business opportunities.
Overall, 86% of those surveyed report AI has made them more efficient, and 76% believe it is advancing their career, rising to 87% among Gen Z respondents. AI’s influence on collaboration is also clear: 69% of hybrid workers say it is making teamwork across locations easier, citing benefits such as improved meeting preparation (46%), access to shared insights (36%), and stronger post-meeting follow-ups (36%).
Workers are embracing AI’s potential to eliminate time-consuming administrative tasks. The most common areas where employees want AI to step in include drafting emails (43%), taking and summarising meeting notes (42%), organising files (36%), and completing data entry or forms (36%). With these tasks automated, employees are reallocating time to more meaningful work: 55% are now focusing on high-impact projects, 54% are pursuing professional development, and 40% are using the time to build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients or to invest in personal well-being.
AI Adoption in India’s Workforce
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a strategic national priority for India, with the government rolling out the ₹10,371 crore IndiaAI Mission to drive inclusive adoption[2]. Efforts are focused not just on technological advancement but also on productivity, economic transformation, and job creation. According to a report commissioned by EY India[3], Generative AI could impact 38 million jobs by 2030, boosting productivity by over 2.6% in the organised sector (e.g., financial services, healthcare and retail),and nearly 2.8% in the unorganised sector (e.g., small family-run enterprises, self-employed individuals, small-scale industries).
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025[4] highlights that 96% of Indian organizations have already deployed AI initiatives—among the highest globally. Businesses are also evolving their hiring practices, with 67% tapping into diverse talent pools and 30% shifting to skills-based hiring, compared to the global averages of 47% and 19%, respectively. While AI is expected to automate or augment over 60% of tasks, 63% of Indian workers will need upskilling by 2030.
The younger workforce is leading AI adoption. A CFA Institute survey[5] revealed that 85% of Indian graduates view AI skills as essential for career success—much higher than the global average of 66%. Meanwhile, the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study found that 96% of Indian professionals already use AI tools at work, with over 90% reporting improved productivity and job satisfaction. To support this shift, the government is setting up AI Productivity Labs across the country to train 500,000 learners by 2026.
AI driving more purposeful office time and motivating employees to upskill
In the hybrid model, AI is also reshaping how office time is used. With automation handling routine work, hybrid professionals now prioritise strategic thinking (41%), learning and development (41%), face-to-face collaboration (40%), and networking (35%) during in-office days. More than half of workers (53%) say AI is helping them achieve better outcomes, and 64% believe it is making hybrid working smoother and more effective. At the same time, 83% recognize the importance of continuous upskilling to stay future-ready—highlighting the urgency for ongoing learning.
Workers are aware of the stakes. Two-thirds (63%) worry that not learning AI tools could slow their career progression, and 61% believe those who don’t adopt AI risk being left behind. Yet the trend is toward inclusive, shared upskilling: 51% of employees say AI is helping bridge generational divides, and over half regularly share AI knowledge with colleagues, rising to 66% among 25–34-year-olds.
In India, 94% of professionals believe that mastering AI skills is vital for career growth. Reflecting that sense of urgency, 94% of Indian desk workers feel an imperative to “master AI,” with 61% already using AI tools in their roles and 80% excited about AI automating some of their tasks[6].
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, said: “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.”
[1] Research among 2,016 office workers in the US and UK in June 2025 by Mortar Research. Mortar is Market Research Society (MRS) accredited and the research adhered to MRS guidelines.
[2] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2012355
[3] Unlocking productivity gains, GenAI to transform 38 million jobs by 2030: EY India
[4] Future of Jobs Report, World Economic Forum (2025)
[5] CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey 2025
[6] Emeritus Workplace Skills Study 2025: Spotlight on India