According to new research from Microsoft and LinkedIn, three-quarters of knowledge workers now use AI at work.
Microsoft partnered with LinkedIn for the first time to produce the 2024 Work Trend Index, which assesses AI's substantive impact on the workplace.
The survey found that 75 percent of workers use AI at work to save time, enhance creativity, and create scope for focus on crucial tasks — including 78 percent using their own AI tools at work. Additionally, almost four-fifths (79 percent) of leaders believe AI adoption is essential for staying competitive. However, 59 percent struggle to measure AI's productivity gains, while three-fifths feel their company lacks a clear vision and plan for implementation.
Microsoft annotates these findings by suggesting that every leader has the opportunity to capitalise on this momentum and translate it into tangible ROI.
Jared Spataro - CVP of AI at Work at Microsoft, wrote in an accompanying blog post:
People are bringing AI to work at an unexpected scale — and now the big question is, how’s it going?(...) The labour market is set to shift, and there’s a new AI economy. While some professionals worry AI will replace their job, the data tells a more nuanced story — of a hidden talent shortage, more employees eyeing a career change, and a massive opportunity for those willing to skill up."
As part of the research, Microsoft surveyed 31,000 people in 31 countriesanalyseded labour and hiring trends from LinkedIn, examined trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals, and conducted research with Fortune 500 customers.
"AI is democratising expertise across the workforce," added Satya Nadella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Microsoft. "Our latest research highlights the opportunity for every organisation to apply this technology to drive better decision-making, collaboration — and ultimately business outcomes.”
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Other Compelling Findings
The Work Trend Index suggests that AI is reshaping the job market, prompting more professionals to consider career changes while creating demand for AI-skilled workers. However, as many as 55 percent of leaders, particularly in fields like cybersecurity and engineering, worry about finding enough talent to fill open roles.
LinkedIn studies show a record-high number of professionals considering quitting, especially in the US, with a study suggesting 85 percent of respondents considering career changes yet, despite leaders prioritising AI-skilled hires, less than two-fifths of users have received AI training from employers (39 percent).
