How AI is Reshaping the Workplace in 2025
New global research by the Adecco Group highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the modern workplace, accelerating productivity, changing roles, and redefining what it means to be “future ready.” Yet, despite enthusiasm for the technology, many organisations are still struggling to turn time saved into meaningful impact.
AI adoption accelerates across industries
According to the Global Workforce of the Future 2025 report by Adecco, AI adoption has surged dramatically in the past year. Workers across 31 countries and 21 industries now use AI tools daily, with many believing these technologies save them up to two hours a day.
However, this perception of increased efficiency doesn’t always align with reality. Many organisations report that while AI streamlines certain processes, productivity gains are often offset by time spent on repetitive or administrative tasks. The report calls for better measurement and smarter integration of AI to ensure genuine impact.
Workers see AI as the biggest workplace influence
AI has now overtaken flexible working and economic uncertainty as the leading influence shaping today’s workplace. Confidence in using AI has risen sharply, with more than 70% of employees saying they feel nothing is holding them back from using these tools—up from just 19% the year before.
For most workers, AI is no longer an abstract concept; it’s embedded in their day-to-day tasks, expanding capabilities and reshaping required skills. More than three-quarters of employees say AI helps them perform tasks that were previously out of reach, while nearly as many believe it will soon redefine their job roles entirely.
Benefits of AI in the workplace
The report find workers area most likely to trust AI for non-emotional tasks such as task automation, training and goal-setting. Some of the main benefits noted were:
- 24/7 availability
- speed of response
- feeling more neutral than humans
- quickly retrieving historical HR documentation
““Of those who report saving time as a result of AI, almost half (40%) believe this gives them greater capacity to collaborate with colleagues””
Employers most trusted AI for the following tasks:
- Task automation and daily work assistance
- Upskilling and training
- Goal setting and Tracking
- Onboarding (starting a new job)
Balancing optimism with uncertainty – disadvantages of AI in the workplace
While optimism about AI remains high, not all workers are at ease. Around one in four still fear job loss due to automation. Most employees expect AI to create new roles and reshape existing ones, but they’re seeking reassurance that they’ll have the right skills to stay relevant.
Employers who offer clear guidance on evolving roles and skill needs are better positioned to retain their people during this period of transformation.
The rise of the “future-ready” worker
The report identifies a growing group of future-ready employees, those actively upskilling and adapting to technological change. In 2025, 37% of workers fall into this category, a steep rise from only 11% the previous year.
Future-ready professionals benefit from clearer goals, stronger engagement, and access to continuous learning. They’re also more likely to trust AI and feel confident in their ability to use it responsibly in the workplace. For employers, the message is clear: investing in training and transparent communication builds resilience and boosts retention.
AI and the Importance of Human Connection
Even as AI becomes a daily reality, human connection remains vital. Purpose, trust, and human connection still matter. Workers who understand how their contributions fit into the company’s strategy are far more likely to stay loyal. According to the report, 99% of employees who feel a strong sense of purpose plan to remain with their employer over the next year, compared to just half of those who don’t.
Career development and transparent communication are emerging as key factors that build trust in an AI-driven world. While many employees embrace automation for routine tasks and training, they still prefer human judgment for career or performance decisions.
AI and The Future of Work
The findings reinforce that while AI is a powerful enabler, it’s people who ultimately turn innovation into progress. Organisations need to ensure that time saved through automation translates into meaningful, value-adding work—rather than more administrative tasks.
To unlock AI’s full potential, business leaders must invest in digital skills, establish ethical frameworks, and focus on human engagement. With these foundations in place, AI can become not just a tool for efficiency, but a catalyst for smarter, more fulfilling work.
AI in the Workplace Statistics
Summary of Key Findings:
Globally, employees say AI is saving them two hours a day – double last year – yet many still spend that time on routine tasks, underlining a gap between perceived and realised productivity
75% of UK & Ireland workers now prioritise job stability over meaningful work, signalling a job-hugging trend ahead of the Autumn Budget
65% say Gen AI has the biggest influence on their working lives in 2025 (vs. 20% last year), but only 32% say the same for their employers – showing workers are adapting faster than leaders
Nearly half (46%) say being more involved in how AI reshapes their job would strengthen their sense of purpose at work
Read the full Adecco Global Workforce of the Future Report 2025 here.
