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Maximizing Productivity: How AI Saves Employees One Workday Each Week

A recent study from the London School of Economics (LSE) in collaboration with global consultancy Protiviti revealed that employees utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) experience significant productivity gains, saving an equivalent of one full workday each week. The report, titled Bridging the Generational AI Gap: Unlocking Productivity for All Generations, surveyed nearly 3,000 workers and 240 executives worldwide, highlighting the potential that AI has to transform the workplace.

The Impact of AI on Productivity

According to the findings, professionals who integrate AI into their daily tasks can save around 7.5 hours per week. This translates to an impressive annual productivity gain of about $18,000 (approximately £14,000) per employee. Despite these benefits, a staggering 68% of employees have not received any form of AI training in the past year, which leaves a sizable gap in efficiency that organizations are yet to capitalize on.

Dr. Grace Lordan, founding director of The Inclusion Initiative at LSE and the lead researcher, emphasized that closing the training gap is vital. She stated, “Equipping employees with the right skills doesn’t just enhance individual productivity—it leads to better decision-making and drives innovation within organizations. Companies that invest in AI training will differentiate themselves from competitors.”

Training Matters More Than Generational Differences

The research debunks the myth that AI proficiency is primarily a trait of younger generations. Instead, it underscores the importance of training in determining successful AI implementation within workplaces. The statistics are revealing:

• - 93% of employees who have undergone AI training use AI in their roles, compared to only 57% of those without training.
• - Employees with training are twice as productive, saving 11 hours per week, versus just 5 hours for those without training.
• - Notably, a Gen X employee trained in AI can achieve greater productivity than a Gen Z peer who lacks similar training.

This data illustrates that the foundation of successful AI adoption rests on providing the workforce with adequate training rather than solely focusing on generational differences.

Advantages of Diverse AI Teams

Additionally, the study highlights the benefits of multigenerational teams working on AI projects. It was found that 77% of employees within these diverse teams reported higher productivity levels versus 66% in less diverse teams. Dr. Daniel Jolles, co-researcher, pointed out, “Training helps older workers engage with AI effectively, ensuring valuable business experience shapes the application of these technologies.”

Forming inclusive AI teams not only bridges age divides but also promotes collaboration, enhancing overall project outcomes.

A Transformative Approach to Work

Fran Maxwell, global leader of People & Change at Protiviti, noted the transformative potential of AI in changing organizational structures. He explained, “AI should be viewed as a catalyst for rethinking how firms organize and empower their people. The organizations likely to reap the most benefits are those integrating AI into daily workflows alongside redesigning roles for optimal output.”

Matt Duncan, managing director at Protiviti, echoed this sentiment, stating, “AI and talent-related challenges are among the top risks for executives today. Our research indicates that investing in AI training not only boosts productivity but also mitigates these associated risks.”

Conclusion

The research report is an eye-opener for organizational leaders regarding the importance of closing the AI training gap. As businesses move towards a more AI-driven future, it is essential for them to equip their employees with relevant skills across all generations. Firms that proactively embrace AI through thoughtful training initiatives will not only see immediate productivity enhancements but will also thrive in the face of future challenges.

Protiviti and LSE will be hosting a virtual launch event on October 28th to delve deeper into the report’s findings, inviting interested parties to register for further insights on this pivotal topic.