Gen Z Leads AI Adoption at Work as Nearly Half Say Their Bosses Don’t Understand Its Benefits

Gen Z Leads the Way in AI Adoption at Work, But Bosses May Not Fully Appreciate Its Benefits

New research from UKG reveals that younger employees, especially those in Gen Z (ages 18-28), are the most enthusiastic and self-directed adopters of AI tools in the workplace. A striking 70% of Gen Z workers say they’ve taught themselves the AI skills they use daily, and 90% believe AI helps them save valuable time on routine tasks.

This eagerness contrasts with perceptions of leadership: nearly half of Gen Z employees (49%) feel their bosses don’t fully grasp how AI can benefit their work. Meanwhile, only 26% of executives think Gen Z has the strongest understanding of AI, suggesting a disconnect between frontline users and decision-makers.

Why This Matters for HR Professionals

Gen Z’s proactive approach to AI offers a practical opportunity for HR teams. By empowering younger workers to share their AI knowledge and encouraging cross-generational learning, organizations can boost overall workforce efficiency and engagement.

AI, when used correctly, can take over routine, repetitive tasks—freeing employees to focus on more strategic and fulfilling work. This not only improves productivity but also enhances job satisfaction, a key focus for HR leaders.

Employees Across All Generations Want AI as a Support Tool, Not a Replacement

The UKG survey shows that 84% of U.S. employees want AI to handle workplace processes for them, especially repetitive or data-heavy tasks. However, almost 9 out of 10 workers (89%) agree AI should be considered a tool—not a co-worker—highlighting a clear preference for augmentation, not replacement.

This attitude is consistent across company sizes, emphasizing the need for HR strategies that clarify AI’s role in supporting employees rather than threatening job security.

Tasks Employees Are Ready to Delegate to AI

Employees are most comfortable letting AI handle tasks that are:

• Highly repetitive or routine (49%)
• Data-intensive (42%)
• Time-consuming (38%)
• Low in judgment, empathy, or nuance (35%)
• Often prone to human error (34%)

Specific examples include AI helping to:

• Summarize company policies when employees have questions (83%)
• Create work schedules based on availability (81%)
• Verify paycheck accuracy (78%)
• Ensure timecards are correct (78%)
• Review and approve time-off and shift-swap requests in real time (74%)

Closing the Gap: Aligning Leadership and Employee Perspectives on AI

With Gen Z leading AI adoption at work, HR professionals have a critical role in bridging the gap between younger employees and leadership. Facilitating open conversations about AI’s benefits and providing training can help executives better appreciate the potential of AI tools.

Investing in AI education and transparent communication can increase employee trust and enthusiasm, which in turn improves retention and performance.

For HR leaders interested in building AI skills within their workforce, resources like Complete AI Training offer a variety of courses to support AI literacy across roles and experience levels.

AI’s Role in Shaping the Future of Work

AI is becoming an essential part of workplace technology, not just for Gen Z but for all generations. Employees expect it to simplify tasks and free up time for creativity, innovation, and personal connection. HR leaders who embrace this shift early will gain a competitive edge by fostering a more productive and engaged workforce.

Understanding the specific tasks employees want to delegate to AI and encouraging a culture of continuous learning will help organizations make the most of AI’s practical benefits.

About UKG

UKG is a leading provider of HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions. They serve over 80,000 organizations globally, combining people data with AI to improve workplace experiences and business decisions. Learn more at ukg.com.