This audio is automatically generated. Please let us know if you have any feedback.
A Cox Business report on August 5 shows that many millennials and generations of Z workers use artificial intelligence tools in their workplaces, but about half are reluctant to acknowledge how much work is being created by AI.
Workers use AI agents to increase workplace productivity by summarizing documents, filling notes, brainstorming ideas and creative content, analyzing data, creating reports, coding or debugging.
“Our research highlights valuable insights into how organizations can adjust to the expectations of younger employees,” said Jeff Breaux, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Cox Communications, in a news release.
“This provides a great opportunity for businesses and their IT teams to strengthen their technology investment, rollout, training and policy strategies, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the rapidly becoming majority workforce,” Breaux said.
In a survey of more than 1,000 Gen Z and millennial workers in the US, 47% said they fear AI will replace their jobs. This is the biggest reason why we don't want to disclose the use of AI. Additionally, 30% said they were unfamiliar with the company's AI policy or that the company did not have a defined policy.
Over 60% reported using personal apps and software at work rather than workplace tools, creating “shadow IT” issues that could lead to security risks, the report found.
Almost 70% of young workers feel overwhelmed by the number of technical tools the workplace offers. However, only 16% feel that technology decisions in the workplace have a real influence.
Over the next three years, Gen Z and millennial workers predict that AI tools will replace several roles, but will create new opportunities, increase productivity and efficiency, increase creativity and innovation, and improve decision-making and strategic planning. Looking forward to 2026, Gen Z workers said employers should focus on improving cybersecurity, while millennials said workplaces should focus on optimizing workflows.
According to a UKG report, in another study, almost half of Gen Z workers said their bosses didn't evaluate the benefits of AI tools in the workplace. Additionally, 90% said that AI saves time at work, and 70% said they taught themselves most of the AI skills they use for their work.
