With AI tools rolling out rapidly across business applications, adoption is moving at warp speed from exploratory to essential. Gen Z workers already rely on AI to keep up with their roles. That’s both exciting and concerning for leaders who must balance adoption with realism and compliance goals.
Freshworks’ AI Workplace Report shows the next generation of business leaders are fast adopters of AI. The report surveyed over 4,000 global workers, finding that 36% of Gen Z UK employees depend on AI. Some 33% of those respondents credit AI tools with making their working lives more enjoyable and 36% received a promotion or salary increase due to their AI expertise.
The AI Workplace report reveals that 52% of Gen Z workers believe AI agents are essential to their work. The report reflects the growing impact AI has on the next generation of leaders, across a wide range of roles from support to sales. 
AI boosting workplace satisfaction and career progression
UK Gen Z workers now have more time in the workday thanks to their AI use. The majority (54%) of Gen Z respondents use it to actively learn new skills, helping them develop faster during the early stages of their career. Prioritising further investment into AI at work is inevitable under future Gen Z leadership, given a third (33%) of the demographic credit AI tools with making their working lives more enjoyable.
Seeing real-world gains, a fifth (20%) earned a promotion by producing meaningful work directly assisted by AI. Gen Z is faster at developing their AI skills to progress their careers.
Gen Z workers put their trust in AI
Trust is a driving force for the successful widespread adoption of AI at work. Already, 64% of UK Gen Z workers believe the technology will bring long-term value to workplace processes. This trusting consensus across the UK workforce spells good news for AI to continue impacting the workplace.
AI adoption amongst Gen Z workers is rapid, with 92% of respondents actively harnessing it at work. AI’s role in the workplace is still in its infancy when we look at the long-term picture. What Gen Z workers gain through mass adoption during these early stages is building a robust understanding and trust within AI’s capabilities. 
UK business will be AI-powered under Gen Z leadership
Gen Z workers are climbing the corporate ladder quicker than previous generations thanks to AI. Already, 36% of Gen Z workers are reaping the benefits through promotion or salary increase due to their AI expertise. They have an advantage, not just from a productivity perspective, but in direct financial benefits and career progression as well.
The next generation of leaders have embraced AI at work and we will likely see an uptick on the 52% share of the demographic who believe AI tools are essential to work. Do not doubt that under Gen Z leadership, the future workplace is powered by AI.  
Slower business leaders must get their AI agent and service rules in place fast to cope with the pace of adoption. All workers must be informed of and follow compliance rules to ensure data remains secure. And no unsanctioned tools get used that could add mistakes or copyrighted material to business content.