Microsoft has released its fourth annual Work Trend Index report revealing that 75 percent of knowledge workers worldwide use generative artificial intelligence (AI) at work.
The report further said employees, struggling under the pace and volume of work, are bringing their own AI to work, with 78% of AI users now using AI to perform tasks.
In terms of usage, the report noted a rise in the number of so-called “AI power user,” or individuals who use AI at least several times per week. They say it saves them more than 30 minutes per day, the report said.
Frequently experimenting with AI is the top predictor of an AI power user, and power users say AI boosts their creativity (92%) and helps them focus on the most important work (93%).
AI also helps them feel more motivated (91%) and enjoy work more (91%), the Microsoft report said.
While 79% of leaders believe their company needs to adopt AI to stay competitive, 60% of leaders worry their organization’s leadership lacks a plan and vision to implement it, the report further said.
Further, the report predicted that at the same time, the labor market is set to shift again—with AI playing a major role.
Despite fears of job loss, business leaders are reportedly seeing a talent shortage for key roles.
And as more employees eye a career move, managers say AI aptitude could rival experience. For many employees, AI will raise the bar but break the career ceiling, the report said, with 66% of leaders saying they would not hire someone without AI skills.
The report further said 71% say they’d rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without. The report further noted that was a 142x increase in skills like Copilot and ChatGPT added to LinkedIn profiles last year.
