As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce, they’re entering a job market unlike any before—one shaped by fast technological improvements, shifting workplace norms, and, most notably, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). That raises the question—how is Gen Z using AI at work?
One factor that sets them apart is timing—while older generations are adjusting long-established habits to accommodate AI, Gen Z is starting fresh. They’re building careers from the ground up with AI already integrated into their daily tasks.
But even with this head start, AI presents both opportunities—like enhancing productivity, streamlining workflows, and even opening doors to new career paths—and challenges. From concerns about job displacement to the need for continuous upskilling, Gen Z must face a workplace where AI is both an asset and a disruptor.
How Gen Z is using AI at work
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up in a digital-first world, making them naturally adept at integrating AI into their workflows. They’re using AI as an intelligent assistant that helps them work smarter and more efficiently.
A survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Google Workspace in 2024 found that 93% of Gen Z leaders use two or more AI tools every week, with tools like ChatGPT, Otter.ai, and DALL-E playing key roles.
This tech-savvy generation isn’t just adopting AI—they’re leveraging it extensively for tasks like revising emails, brainstorming ideas, and transcribing meetings. In fact, 88% of Gen Z workers say they'd turn to AI when starting a task that feels overwhelming, and 52% regularly discuss AI tools with colleagues, reflecting their openness and collaborative approach to technology.
The scope of AI in Gen Z's work
In addition to boosting productivity and enhancing workflows, AI is having a major impact on the types of work tasks Gen Z handles. A study by Aithor reveals that almost 80% of Gen Z professionals use AI for more than half of their work tasks, compared to just 50% of Boomers. This is especially prominent in industries like IT, where 63% of respondents use AI extensively, as well as finance and manufacturing, with adoption rates of 75% and 72%, respectively.
Despite the positive aspects, however, many younger professionals also express anxiety about AI’s long-term impact on their careers. While they are early adopters, with 73% of Gen Z employees personally paying for AI tools, their awareness of AI's evolving role in the workforce is a double-edged sword.
Still, for many, the benefits of using AI tools to streamline tasks outweigh these concerns, with 80% of Gen Z users believing that AI will ultimately improve their work/life balance, as revealed by the 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey by Deloitte.
Benefits of using AI for Gen Z in the workplace
With AI handling the repetitive and ordinary tasks, Gen Z workers can focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation, making work not only more efficient but also more fulfilling.
Improved work-life balance
One of the biggest advantages AI offers Gen Z is the ability to automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks, allowing them to focus on more meaningful and strategic work. Unlike previous generations that spent years navigating stacks of paperwork or performing tedious data entry, Gen Z can delegate routine tasks to AI-powered assistants, freeing up time for creative problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration.
This automation not only enhances efficiency but can also help reduce workplace burnout, a growing concern among younger professionals. According to a 2023 Deloitte study, 46% of Gen Z workers report feeling stressed or overwhelmed at work. By offloading tedious tasks, AI allows them to keep a healthier work-life balance, reducing stress and increasing overall job satisfaction.
Increased productivity
AI doesn’t just automate tasks—it helps Gen Z work smarter and faster. Whether it’s drafting emails, summarizing meetings, or managing workflows, AI-driven tools optimize efficiency, allowing young professionals to maximize their productivity.
For example, AI-powered scheduling tools analyze availability and optimize meeting times, minimizing conflicts and reducing wasted time. Smart email assistants generate suggested responses, allowing professionals to reply quickly without spending hours managing their inbox.
AI transcription and note-taking applications turn meetings into searchable transcripts, helping professionals stay organized and preventing information loss. Additionally, AI-driven task automation and workflow optimization streamline business processes by integrating several tools, reducing manual input, and boosting efficiency.
Better decision-making
AI’s ability to analyze massive amounts of data and generate insights in real time is transforming the way Gen Z professionals make decisions. Whether in finance, marketing, healthcare, or tech, AI empowers young workers to make data-driven choices quickly and accurately. By leveraging AI, they can identify patterns, predict trends, and make confident choices that enhance both individual and company-wide success.
Job satisfaction and growth
AI isn’t just a productivity booster—it’s also a career accelerator. One of its most promising aspects is its ability to facilitate professional development by providing personalized learning and upskilling opportunities. Gen Z, known for prioritizing continuous learning and career growth, is particularly well-positioned to benefit from AI-driven platforms that recommend training programs based on their career goals and skill gaps.
Additionally, AI tools, such as those that assist in learning new languages and communication skills, further contribute to career growth. AI-powered career coaching platforms also analyze an individual’s professional strengths and suggest potential career paths, allowing Gen Z to make informed decisions about their futures. As AI continues to evolve, it enables young professionals to future-proof their careers, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
Gen Z’s concerns about AI at work
While Gen Z recognizes the transformative power of AI, there are notable concerns surrounding its use, particularly related to job security. According to a 2023 research with 3,000 U.S. employees, as many as 52% of Gen Z workers worry about losing their jobs due to automation. This scenario highlights the need for businesses to address these anxieties and reassure their employees about the complementary role AI can play in the workplace. Ensuring AI enhances human abilities rather than replaces them will be key to maintaining job security in a tech-driven environment.
AI’s limitations
Another concern lies in AI’s limitations. Some studies are wary of AI's reliance on pre-existing data, which can lead to biased decisions or reinforce existing inequalities. In addition, there is growing apprehension about how personal and sensitive data is handled by AI systems, especially in industries like healthcare and finance.
The human-AI balance
Another key issue is the fear of over-reliance on AI, particularly in roles that demand creativity, problem-solving, and human intuition. An Aithor.com study found that 18% of media and communication professionals (of all generations) believe their jobs could be fully automated by AI. Gen Z professionals worry that too much dependence on AI could erode these essential human skills, which can’t be fully replicated by machines.
The future of AI and Gen Z's role in shaping it
As AI continues to evolve and shape industries across the globe, Gen Z stands at the forefront of this transformation.
Career pathways and AI
Gen Z has the potential to reshape the workforce, with AI playing a crucial role in the emergence of new job roles. As businesses increasingly adopt AI technologies, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can design, manage, and implement AI systems. AI-related jobs are expected to grow 4% yearly from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Gen Z, already well-versed in digital tools, is uniquely positioned to take on positions such as AI specialists, machine learning engineers, and data scientists. These emerging career pathways require not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of how AI integrates into different industries.
To nurture Gen Z’s potential, businesses should offer opportunities for hands-on experience with AI tools, alongside leadership programs that foster human-driven decision-making. This combination will help create a workforce that can manage the balance between AI's capabilities and human intuition, driving both innovation and productivity.
Innovation through AI
Building on the theme of innovation, Gen Z is well-positioned to lead the charge in shaping the AI landscape. They are more adaptable and eager to experiment with new technologies, and as a result, they are well-equipped to spearhead AI-driven transformations across industries. Whether in healthcare, finance, or entertainment, Gen Z could play a pivotal role in identifying new ways to apply AI to solve complex challenges and improve operational efficiency.
Through collaboration with AI systems, they can develop groundbreaking solutions that will streamline business processes and enhance customer experiences.
Building a sustainable future with AI
With their heightened awareness of social issues, sustainability, and ethical concerns, Gen Z professionals are in an ideal position to advocate for AI technologies that prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. As the next generation of leaders, they will play a key role in ensuring AI is developed with respect for privacy, data security, and human rights—fostering a positive social impact.
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The future of AI holds immense potential, and together AI and Gen Z can shape an innovative, efficient, and successful future.