A groundbreaking study has revealed that workers using generative AI are seeing significant productivity gains, with an average increase of 33% for each hour the technology is utilized[1].
The research, conducted by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, and Harvard Kennedy School, examined data from surveys taken in August and November 2024. Their findings show that generative AI is becoming an integral part of many workers’ routines, with 9% of U.S. workers aged 18-64 reporting daily use and 14% using it at least once a week[1].
Key Findings
- Workers using generative AI reported it assisted them during 6% to nearly one-fourth of their work hours[1].
- 33.5% of daily AI users said it saved them four hours or more per week[1].
- The information services sector saw the largest share of work hours using generative AI (14%) and the highest time savings (2.6%)[1].
Impact Across Industries
The study found varying degrees of AI adoption and impact across different sectors:
- Computers and mathematics: Workers used AI for nearly 12% of work hours, saving 2.5% of work time[1].
- Personal services: AI was used in only 1.3% of work hours, saving 0.4% of work time[1].
The Future of Work
As companies continue to integrate AI into their workflows, experts predict these productivity gains will become more apparent in aggregate productivity measures. However, the long-term effects on the labor market, including potential displacement and wage impacts, remain uncertain[1].
Steven Kirz, an operational excellence senior partner at West Monroe, suggests that employers should view AI as a new talent type rather than just another technology. He compares it to having an intern for every employee, performing tasks that would otherwise consume valuable time[1].
Looking Ahead
While the productivity gains are promising, the study’s authors 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”[1].
As businesses and workers alike navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, it’s clear that generative AI is poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of work and productivity.
References:
- https://www.hrdive.com/news/workers-productivity-increases-every-hour-they-use-generative-ai/741598/
- https://textexpander.com/blog/best-productivity-apps
- https://mobidev.biz/blog/7-technology-trends-to-change-retail-industry
- https://go.grammarly.com/2025-the-productivity-shift
- https://www.techradar.com/best/best-productivity-apps
- https://www.simplilearn.com/top-technology-trends-and-jobs-article
- https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/prod2_03062025.htm
- https://www.technowize.com/attention-attention-these-are-our-picks-for-the-best-productivity-apps-for-2025/
- https://www.cnet.com
- https://www.shrm.org/enterprise-solutions/insights/march-2025-labor-market-review-uncertainty-looms-employers
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1uDnqMV6t8
- https://www.trendhunter.com
- https://fortune.com/2025/03/14/ai-labor-market-unemployment-jobs-hiring-goldman-sachs-productivity/
- https://www.techtarget.com/searchitoperations/tip/Task-automation-tools-to-increase-productivity
- https://www.ap.org
- https://www.silvercrestgroup.com/economic-review-march-2025/
- https://tech.eu/2025/03/13/the-state-of-productivity-in-2025-improving-how-you-work-with-ai/
- https://developer.apple.com/news/
- https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-economic-outlook-interim-report-march-2025_89af4857-en.html
- https://zapier.com/blog/best-windows-productivity-software/
