A recent Generation survey has revealed that while only 15% of workers over 45 regularly use AI tools, those who do report a significant boost in job satisfaction, productivity, and decision-making. The research highlights that more than half of these AI users have seen improvements in their work quality, with 35% of U.S. workers and 58% of European workers saying that AI is making their jobs more enjoyable.
“This data underscores the importance of continuing to combat ageism and points to an opportunity for us to take a more nuanced view in the AI-infused workplace of how to leverage the unique assets that workers of different ages and experience levels bring to the table,” said Mona Mourshed, founding Global CEO, Generation.
However, this potential is still untapped, as many mid-career and older employees are still not engaging with AI at work. U.S. and European employers also show a distinct bias in hiring for AI-related roles. The data reveals that 90% of U.S. hiring managers are more likely to consider candidates under age 35 for AI roles, compared to only 32% for those over age 60. Similarly, 86% of employers in Europe favour younger hires, with just 33% considering older candidates.
Even with AI’s increasing integration into workplaces, most employers are still determining how best to support their employees in adopting the technology. Although over 90% of employers provide some form of AI training, only half provide formal training programs, leaving many workers to navigate AI tools independently. Among workers not currently using AI, 24% in the U.S. and 36% in Europe expressed interest in learning how to use it.
Employers need to bridge the divide by creating more targeted AI training and helping older workers recognize the value AI can bring to their experience and skill sets.