How Gen Z and Millennials Are Leveraging AI for Productivity at Work

Embracing AI in the Workplace: Gen Z and Millennials' Perspectives

In today's digital world, young professionals, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their work processes. A recent survey conducted by Cox Business has uncovered some intriguing insights into how these two generations view and utilize AI tools in their daily tasks.

The Rise of AI Usage

AI usage has become second nature for many young workers. From summarizing meeting notes and brainstorming sessions to coding and data analysis, AI tools are serving as valuable assistants, helping to enhance productivity. The survey reflects that a substantial portion of Gen Z and Millennials utilize AI tools routinely at work, demonstrating their comfort and familiarity with technology.

However, despite their frequent use of AI, the survey indicates a notable disparity in how openly these young employees discuss its integration into their work. Approximately half of the respondents have expressed hesitation in admitting how much of their work is driven by AI. This secretive approach stems largely from underlying fears regarding job security and the perceived threat that AI poses to their future employment.

Concerns Over Job Security

Fear of job displacement is one of the key factors contributing to the reluctance of Gen Z and Millennials to disclose their AI use in the workplace. Nearly 47% of respondents reported concerns that AI technologies might eventually replace their jobs. This wariness points to a broader apprehension about the evolution of the workforce and the role technology will play in it.

Moreover, familiarity with company policies surrounding AI usage is also lacking among these employees. The survey found that about 30% of Gen Z and Millennial workers are either unaware of existing policies or believe their company has no clear guidelines for using AI tools. A lack of clarity on such matters can lead to further insecurity and anxiety in the workplace.

The Influence of Personal Technology

The survey reveals that AI isn't the only technology used with caution in the workplace. A significant 63% of respondents confessed to using personal applications or software for work-related tasks. This trend of utilizing personal tools can pose a serious risk to the organization's IT security, as unregulated software may not align with corporate security standards, leading to potential vulnerabilities.

Interestingly, while embracing personal technology, many young employees feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools provided by their employers. About 70% stated they often feel inundated by technology, with 65% admitting they find their personal tools more user-friendly and efficient than those supplied by their workplace.

This dissonance highlights a gap in organizational offerings and employee expectations. Younger employees desire greater input into the technology that is used in their roles. Unfortunately, only 16% felt they had substantial influence over tech decisions within their organizations.

A Call to Action for Organizations

Jeff Breaux, Chief Commercial Officer at Cox Communications, emphasized the importance of these findings, suggesting that companies need to re-evaluate their technology strategies to better align with the expectations of younger employees. This presents a unique opportunity for IT teams to rethink their investments in technology, rollout strategies, and employee training sessions to better accommodate the evolving preferences of a workforce that increasingly represents the majority demographic.

Conclusion

As organizations navigate the future landscape of work, the insights from the 2025 Cox Business Workplace Technology Survey illuminate the complexities of integrating AI and technology into the workplace for younger employees. Understanding their priorities and concerns around job security and technology usage will be vital for creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth and innovation. For more detailed findings of the survey, visit Cox Blue.