Generative AI (GenAI) adoption in workplaces is skyrocketing, jumping from 22% in 2023 to 75% in 2024, according to a survey by professional services firm EY.
The technology sector reported the highest adoption rate at 90%, while the government and public sectors had the lowest at 60%. These figures are from the EY 2024 Work Reimagined Survey, which gathered responses from 17,350 employees and 1,595 employers across 23 countries and 27 industries.
More than one-third of employees noted positive effects from GenAI, with 37% reporting improved productivity and 36% mentioning an increased ability to focus on high-value work. Additionally, 58% of GenAI users rated their organisation’s training programmes as “Above Average” or “Excellent,” suggesting a strong link between technology adoption and skill-building efforts. The survey indicates that organisations investing in GenAI are also prioritising employee development, aiming to enhance their workforce’s capabilities to keep pace with evolving technologies.
EY’s survey also highlights generational differences in GenAI adoption. Nearly 23% of all respondents reported extensive use of GenAI, with millennials showing a significantly higher adoption rate of 27% compared to just 7% among baby boomers. This gap suggests that younger generations are more inclined to embrace new technologies, while older employees may face challenges in adapting to these changes.
“The speed of adoption of GenAI has brought important workforce considerations to the forefront, from technology and skills investment to investment to organisation’s culture, trust, and retention,” said EY Global and EY Americas people consulting leader Kim Billeter. “It’s a key determinant of how organisations can build strategic talent capabilities, and employers that have been most willing to adopt GenAI could be among the top destinations for the best talent.
“As this trend evolves, organisations should consider meeting employees where they are with GenAI, tailoring technology adoption to each role and recognising the significant potential of productivity gains across all levels of the organisation.”
Last year, only 49% of employees reported using or planning to use GenAI in the following 12 months, demonstrating the sharp rise to 75% adoption today. Employers’ assessments of GenAI’s impact on productivity and workflow have been notably more positive compared to employee perspectives, indicating a potential disconnect in how the benefits of the technology are perceived across different levels of the organisation.
Employees who use GenAI extensively are four times more likely to view their organisation’s technology capabilities as above average compared to those with limited use. Extensive GenAI users are also more likely to consider changing jobs within the next 12 months, driven by the growing demand for their specialised skills.
Despite this increased mobility, organisations with higher GenAI adoption report stronger talent health scores, with extensive users reporting a talent health score of 67, compared to 60 among moderate users and 50 among limited users. This suggests that organisations embracing GenAI not only attract skilled talent but also foster environments where employees are more inclined to promote their workplace to others.
GenAI and effective skill development
Organisations employing GenAI are also seen as more effective in skill development, with 58% of GenAI users giving high ratings to training programmes. The correlation between GenAI use and positive perceptions of training underscores the importance of continuous learning and development, particularly as the half-life of skills continues to shrink.
Employees using the fastest-evolving technologies are those needing to continuously learn and improve to keep pace with rapid changes, making robust training programmes essential for sustained success, according to the EY 2024 Work Reimagined Survey.
In another survey, it was found that 46% of office workers anticipate their skills will be surpassed by AI within the next five years. Conducted on behalf of the Norwegian learning platform Kahoot!, the study consulted 1,041 full-time employees from the technology, healthcare, and financial services sectors. Additionally, 29% of respondents believe their skillsets may become redundant even sooner.
Read more: Survey reveals 78% of businesses unprepared for generative artificial intelligence due to poor data foundations
