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AI Boosts Worker Productivity by 33% Per Hour, Study Finds

Productivity
AI Boosts Worker Productivity by 33% Per Hour, Study Finds

A groundbreaking study has revealed that workers using generative AI are on average 33% more productive for each hour they utilize the technology, highlighting its significant potential to boost efficiency across industries.

The research, conducted by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, and Harvard Kennedy School, analyzed survey data from August and November 2024 to assess the impact of generative AI on workplace productivity.

Key findings from the study include:

• 9% of U.S. workers aged 18-64 reported using generative AI every workday in the previous week • 14% used generative AI at least once but not every workday in the previous week • Workers who used generative AI said it assisted them during 6% to nearly one-fourth of their work hours • 33.5% of daily AI users reported saving four hours or more per week

The researchers concluded that generative AI “is not just an occasional tool for its users, but also an integral part of their work routines.”

This rapid adoption of AI in the workplace outpaces the historical uptake of personal computers and the internet, suggesting a transformative shift in how work is performed.

Steven Kirz, an operational excellence senior partner at West Monroe, advises businesses to view AI as a new talent type rather than just another technology. He suggests thinking of AI as “an intern for every employee” that can handle time-consuming tasks like research or summarizing meeting notes.

As organizations grapple with realizing the full potential of AI, experts recommend:

  1. Redefining productivity beyond traditional cost measures
  2. Focusing on innovation and value creation
  3. Developing strategies that empower rather than replace the workforce
  4. Viewing productivity challenges as interconnected components of a broader system

The study also found variations in AI impact across industries and occupations. Information services showed the largest share of work hours using generative AI (14%) and the highest time savings (2.6%). Workers in computers and mathematics used AI for nearly 12% of their work hours, saving 2.5% of work time.

As more companies integrate AI into their workflows, these productivity gains may become more evident in aggregate measures. However, the researchers caution that “the extent to which AI reshapes the labor market — whether through displacement, wage effects or skill development — remains an open and crucial question.”

This research underscores the growing importance of AI in shaping the future of work and productivity. As businesses navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, finding ways to effectively harness AI’s potential while addressing its broader implications will be crucial for success in the coming years.

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