The report – based on feedback from 4,000 global employees and business leaders in a range of functions and industries – reveals that employees aren’t just embracing AI in their jobs, they’re demanding more of it. In an age of employees “learning by doing”, they see AI not just as a handy time saver, but also a trusted ally in their work. In fact, 50% of employees reported a shift in their opinion of AI for the better since the beginning of 2024. When asked why, they admitted that they now have a better understanding of AI (53%), they believe AI is doing more for them (46%). Interestingly, over a third (37%) of UK workers said that without AI, they would never be able to keep up with their workload.   

This year, AI is starting to deliver meaningful relief for Brits: it’s saving people significantly more time, but also, restoring purpose and positivity in people’s work. Nearly every employee already using AI said they are already getting time back in their work day because of AI (98%), and reinvesting that time in three ways: being more productive (72%), doing more creative or complex work (62%), and coaching or mentoring other employees (64%). No wonder, then, the majority of workers surveyed globally (92%) say they want to offload some part of their workday to AI. These findings underscore why the AI wait-and-see approach is no longer acceptable: even modest investments in AI can rapidly redeploy talent to drive growth. 

These impacts are significant – not only for employees but also for businesses assessing the economic value of how workers spend their time. As AI assumes more tasks, businesses will reap the benefits, with workers focusing on strategic activities that drive results. Three in five (61%) leaders globally say that their organisations have increased AI adoption in the last six months, with 54% saying they have plans to increase adoption in 2025. Over half (56%) of workers say their departments are more successful because of AI.  

Freshworks’ survey even measured the level of employee demand for AI in the workplace. When asked what they would be willing to sacrifice in order to maintain access to AI on the job, global workers said they would give up privileges like remote work (37%) or company holiday parties (40%). If it wasn’t for AI, over a third (38%) said they would never be able to keep up with their workload.

The report titled ‘Freshworks’ AI Workplace Report’ is the follow on to Freshworks’ first global survey conducted in June, available to view here.

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