A new global study has revealed that Generation Z employees are playing a central role in accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, often guiding older colleagues to use AI tools that improve productivity and collaboration. The research, commissioned by International Workplace Group (IWG), highlights how cross-generational learning is helping businesses unlock efficiency gains and adapt to hybrid working models.
Younger employees as AI coaches
The survey of more than 2,000 professionals across the US and UK found that nearly two-thirds (59%) of younger workers are actively teaching senior colleagues how to use AI. This knowledge sharing is enabling leaders to focus on higher-value work, with 80% of senior directors reporting that support from younger employees has allowed them to shift attention to more strategic tasks.
The impact is being felt at the highest levels of business. Two-thirds of C-suite executives said the AI skills of younger staff have boosted departmental productivity, while 82% of senior directors confirmed that innovations introduced by Gen Z employees had opened up new business opportunities.
IWG’s study also showed widespread uptake of AI, with 80% of workers having experimented with AI tools and 78% reporting daily time savings. On average, employees save 55 minutes a day, equivalent to an extra working day per week.
Career growth and collaboration benefits
AI is also viewed as a powerful career accelerator. More than three-quarters (76%) of employees believe AI is advancing their careers, a figure that rises to 87% among Gen Z. Efficiency improvements are equally clear, with 86% of respondents saying AI has helped them complete tasks more effectively.
The technology is reshaping how teams collaborate, particularly in hybrid work environments. Around 69% of hybrid workers said AI has made collaboration across locations easier, citing better meeting preparation, improved access to shared insights, and more effective follow-ups.
Routine tasks are increasingly being handled by AI, with employees most eager to automate email drafting, meeting notes, file organisation, and data entry. This shift has allowed workers to focus on higher-value activities, such as professional development, high-impact projects, and relationship-building with colleagues and clients.
Singapore’s AI priorities
Singapore has placed AI adoption high on its national agenda. During the National Day Rally in August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of moving beyond efficiency gains to create new economic value through AI. The government aims to help businesses adopt AI more effectively while supporting job redesign and workforce reskilling.
Global and local studies suggest younger workers in Singapore are leading this transition. The CFA Institute’s 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey found that 59% of Singapore graduates see AI skills as a competitive advantage, far above the global average of 40%. Meanwhile, 96% of graduates expressed confidence in using AI tools at work.
The trend extends across the wider workforce. Research from Randstad Singapore showed that regular AI use has risen to 21% in 2025, up from 19% the previous year, with Gen Z and Gen X employees driving much of the increase.
Shaping the future of work
Hybrid work models are also changing the purpose of office time. Employees are prioritising strategic thinking, professional learning, collaboration, and networking during office days, while relying on AI to streamline administrative tasks. More than half of workers said AI has improved outcomes and made hybrid working more effective.
Despite optimism, there is also awareness of the risks. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of workers worry their careers could stall without adopting AI tools, and 61% believe those who fail to adapt risk being left behind.
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.”
The findings suggest that younger generations are not only embracing AI for their own career growth but also helping organisations transition to a more connected, agile future.
