#Japan #Generative AI #productivity #Chiyoda #Hotlink

Hotlink Unveils Results from Its 8th Internal Survey on Generative AI Usage

Hotlink, a leading provider of social media marketing support based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has released the findings of its internal survey conducted in June 2026, focusing on the utilization of generative AI tools. This survey marks the eighth iteration since its inception in April 2024.

According to the results, an impressive 95.6% of employees reported experiencing an increase in productivity due to AI utilization, while 94.8% regarded AI as an indispensable part of their work life. These figures reflect significant growth since the previous survey conducted in October 2025, highlighting an expanding trend in AI integration within the workplace.

AI Integration in Work Processes

Hotlink operates under the vision of creating standards for social media marketing in the AI era. The company has structured its AI utilization strategy into five phases, of which it has successfully achieved Phase 01: embedding AI into business units and corporate functions. Currently, Hotlink is progressing through Phase 02, focusing on the creation of AI agents for consulting and operations.

The implementation of AI tools within existing services such as social media marketing has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also transformed individual work approaches. The internal survey serves as a mechanism to continuously assess how AI is being embedded in daily tasks.

Survey Overview

• - Participants: Full-time employees, contract workers, part-time staff, and interns of Hotlink
• - Valid Responses: 135 individuals
• - Survey Period: June 16 - July 6, 2026
• - Format: Questionnaire

Key Findings

1. Frequency of AI Usage: An increasing number of employees are integrating AI services into their daily workflows. Currently, 84.4% of respondents reported using AI tools such as ChatGPT on a daily basis, a stark rise from 72.1% recorded in October 2025. Meanwhile, the percentage of employees using AI tools three to four times a week decreased, shifting the focus toward more consistent daily utilization.

2. Degree of AI Integration: When asked about the level of AI incorporation into their work, 44.4% stated that they have implemented AI into more than 51% of their tasks, while 35.6% reported a 31-50% integration rate. This indicates a robust trend toward deeper AI integration into business operations.

3. Impact of AI on Productivity: A captivating 95.6% of employees recognized substantial improvements in productivity attributable to AI, a notable increase from 85.8% in the last survey. Among them, 72.6% claimed the enhancement was considerable. This statistic clearly demonstrates AI's effectiveness in augmenting both the quality and speed of work processes.

4. Knowledge Sharing within Teams: Interestingly, 66.0% of employees observed improved knowledge sharing within their teams thanks to AI, showing that the technology is enhancing collective learning and collaboration.

5. Reduction in Working Hours: Respondents indicated a reduction in working hours due to AI, with 37.0% claiming a decrease of over 51% in their workloads, while 39.3% noted a reduction of 31-50%.

6. Popular AI Tools: In a query regarding the most beneficial AI tools, 54.8% of participants favored ChatGPT, followed by Claude at 29.6% and Notion AI at 8.9%.

Future Prospects

Hotlink aims to transition from a model of simply bolstering efficiency with AI to one that reconfigures entire work processes with AI as a foundational element. The company envisions developing a new workflow that revolves around AI, supported by its social media operation system, while simultaneously enhancing efficiency across various departments through AI adoption and development.

Moreover, Hotlink emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-sufficient teams tailored to specific departmental needs, ensuring that each AI tool is effectively integrated within practical applications. It seeks to streamline overlapping functionalities of various AI tools while establishing a structured environment where employees can reassess their roles and innovate using AI.

As Hotlink advances from merely establishing AI to realizing transformative changes through AI+, it remains committed to its mission of supporting decision-making through data and AI, aspiring to foster creative and impactful organizational transformations.