Adecco study: AI saves time - but is not always used sensibly
The Adecco Group’s latest “Global Workforce of the Future” report shows that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing rapidly worldwide—yet the hoped-for productivity gains often fail to materialize. Employees estimate that AI saves them an average of two hours per day, but according to the study, this time is often not invested in value-added tasks.
For the sixth edition of the report, entitled Humanity at Work: How to Thrive in the AI Era, 37,500 people from 31 countries and 21 industries were surveyed. AI is seen as the most important influencing factor in everyday working life in 2025 - ahead of economic uncertainty and flexible working. 71% of respondents no longer see any barriers to the use of AI, compared to 19% in the previous year.
Optimism with downsides
More than three quarters of employees say that AI will enable them to take on new tasks. 76 percent expect new jobs to be created and 70 percent expect their tasks to be reorganized. Nevertheless, almost a quarter fear job losses.
Adecco CEO Denis Machuel emphasizes that technology alone is not enough: "People remain at the heart of every transformation. Companies need to invest in training, commitment and trust so that AI creates real added value."
Future-ready workforce on the rise
The proportion of "future-ready" employees - i.e. those who are actively training and adapting to new technologies - has tripled to 37%. According to Daniela Seabrook, Chief HR Officer at Adecco, they benefit from clear goals and learning opportunities: "Employees need guidance and ethical guidelines so that AI can unleash growth and potential."
However, many employees continue to use the time gained for routine activities. In order to turn efficiency into added value, companies need to make impact and purpose more measurable.
Meaning and development as a binding force
Those who understand how their own work contributes to the corporate strategy remain more loyal: 99% of those who feel a sense of purpose every day plan to stay with the company - compared to 53% without this feeling. The importance of further development is also increasing: a third would stay if there were clear career paths (previous year: 22%).
Human trust remains crucial
AI is valued above all for routine and training, but human judgment still counts for sensitive decisions. Managers are more open to AI than young professionals - an indication of the need for transparency and ethical rules.
"AI is a strategic necessity today," says Machuel. "Only those who think governance, training and responsibility together can achieve sustainable productivity - with people at the center."
The full Global Workforce of the Future 2025 report is available on the Adecco Group website at https://www.adeccogroup.com/global-workforce-of-the-future-research-2025
