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Unlocking Savings Potential for Data Analysts

A new study titled Analyst Revolution from dbt Labs, conducted in collaboration with The Harris Poll, has unveiled significant savings opportunities for organizations employing data analysts. According to the findings, enterprises have the potential to save over $20,000 per analyst annually by streamlining their workflows. The report highlights costly inefficiencies stemming from excessive administrative tasks and tool overload, ultimately hampering productivity.

Key Findings of the Analyst Revolution Report

The report reveals that analysts are losing an average of 9.1 hours each week due to inefficient workflows. This adds up to an annual loss of $21,613 per analyst. Alarmingly, analysts spend only 22% of their day generating valuable insights, while the remaining 78% is consumed by mundane activities such as data preparation, validation, and navigating multiple tools.

Among survey respondents, a staggering 62% indicated they feel overwhelmed by the number of tools they must utilize – an average of 5.4 platforms on a daily basis. This excessive tool usage has led to the burnout of 65% of analysts, impacting not only their well-being but also the quality of their insights.

The Challenge of Tool Overload

As analysts face these issues, many are forced to create workarounds to maintain productivity, which can introduce significant governance and compliance risks. The report found that 89% of analysts have experienced limitations in data tools or access, leading 54% to rely on unapproved tools such as AI applications like ChatGPT, and nearly 40% to utilize personal API keys for processing organizational data. Frighteningly, 32% admitted to bypassing governance processes entirely, which ultimately delays project timelines as they often have to backtrack and validate their work retrospectively.

According to Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll, the prevalence of analysts working around governance systems indicates a pressing need for organizations to adopt more effective technologies that facilitate smoother workflows. Rodney states, "The onus is now on leaders to implement solutions that will reduce friction and boost agility."

The Demand for AI Tools

Despite the challenges, there is a rising demand for AI-driven solutions. The report emphasizes that 72% of analysts believe their organizations are not investing adequately in AI-powered platforms. In fact, 90% recognize the urgent need for better tools to fulfill business requirements. Analysts express optimism regarding the integration of AI into their workflows, with 42% desiring tools for real-time data quality detection and 40% favoring automated visualization features.

Mark Porter, CTO of dbt Labs, aptly points out that today's analysts want to work in a manner that enhances both their productivity and job satisfaction. He argues, "AI can bridge that gap if it's properly integrated into governed workflows." Organizations that provide unified platforms will foster a symbiotic relationship in which AI alleviates tedious tasks, allowing analysts to focus on high-value strategic insights.

Modern Tools: A Foundation for Employee Retention

As organizations move towards creating effective workflows, modern tools are now critical for retaining talent. The report indicates that 93% of analysts believe an all-in-one platform would boost their productivity. Moreover, 96% feel more inclined to stay with firms that prioritize workflow optimization, while 85% revealed they would contemplate leaving employers who continue using outdated systems.

Analysts who gain access to more effective platforms with self-service capabilities anticipate significant enhancements, with 47% expecting improved insight development and 43% believing they will see concrete advancements in data quality and consistency.

William Tsu, Senior Analytics Engineer at WHOOP, emphasizes the importance of empowering analysts for effective self-exploration, stating, "dbt's new analyst offerings enhance discoverability and enable faster, more intuitive, and governed self-service."

Organizations interested in exploring dbt Labs' analyst solutions can attend Coalesce 2025, their flagship conference taking place from October 13-16 in Las Vegas and online, where industry professionals can network and learn about shaping the data industry’s future.

For a detailed view of the Analyst Revolution report, visit dbt Labs' website.

Methodology

The survey was conducted by dbt Labs in partnership with The Harris Poll and included 510 data analysts, business analysts, quantitative analysts, data specialists, and data scientists from May 28 – June 3, 2025. The participants all work with organizational data at firms employing 500 or more individuals across key sectors, including Finance, Healthcare, Technology, and more.

About dbt Labs

Since its inception in 2016, dbt Labs has aimed to empower data practitioners in creating and distributing organizational knowledge. Recognized as the gold standard for AI-ready structured data, dbt supports over 80,000 data teams globally, including major companies like Siemens, Roche, and Condé Nast. For more information, visit getdbt.com and follow dbt Labs on social media.