Worried AI might replace you? This survey will change your mind

The future of work is being reshaped, but not in the way many feared. The latest findings from Adecco Group’s ‘Global Workforce of the Future 2024’ report paint a dramatically different picture: AI isn’t replacing workers – it’s empowering them.
The survey reveals a transformative shift in workplace dynamics, with AI emerging as a powerful ally rather than a threat. The most telling statistic? A substantial leap in daily AI usage from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024, marking a fundamental change in how we work.
“AI will elevate the work that we Executive Assistants do. I’m not fearful that it will replace me. In fact, I use it often to make myself better! I love that I can increase the level of support I give to my executive, becoming more strategic and better positioned to help him succeed,” said an Executive Assistant from the US electronics industry, as mentioned in the report.
Sunil Chemmankotil, Country Manager, Adecco India, highlighted this positive trend and said, “Companies are increasingly turning to AI to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and maintain a competitive edge. AI is streamlining routine tasks, enabling faster decision-making through data insights, and creating opportunities for new growth.”
“The synergy between AI and the human mind is driving substantial productivity gains and improving the quality of deliverables, setting the stage for more innovative, future-ready solutions,” he added.
Productivity gains – The survey reveals remarkable productivity improvements across the workforce. An overwhelming 78% of workers report increased productivity after incorporating AI into their daily routines. The time savings are substantial: one-fifth of users report saving between 1-2 hours each day, while 21% gain 45-60 minutes, and 19% save 30-45 minutes daily. Notably, only a tiny fraction – 3% of users – report no time savings at all.
Shifting usage patterns – The data shows a clear trend toward more regular AI engagement. Daily usage has surged impressively from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024, while occasional usage has declined from 37% to 28%. Weekly utilisation has seen a slight decrease from 32% to 28%, suggesting users are moving toward more frequent interaction. Perhaps most telling is the rise in power users – those employing AI hourly has increased from 6% to 8%, indicating growing comfort with the technology.
Strategic time investment – Workers are channelling their AI-saved time into diverse, value-adding activities. Quality improvement leads the way, with 29% of workers focusing on enhancing work accuracy. Creative endeavours follow closely, with 28% of employees engaging in more innovative work. Work-life balance has emerged as a key beneficiary, with 27% of workers using their saved time to achieve better personal-professional equilibrium. Strategic thinking has also gained prominence, with 26% of workers dedicating their extra time to high-level planning.
Professional development and collaboration – The ripple effects of AI adoption extend beyond immediate task completion. The survey finds that 22% of workers are investing their saved time in training and upskilling, while 21% are focusing on personal activities and planning. Collaboration has also seen a boost, with 19% of workers spending more time engaging with colleagues. Additionally, 18% are dedicating more time to people management and mentoring activities, suggesting AI is enabling more human-centric workplace interactions.
If we were to go by the findings of the report, the message is clear: AI isn’t about replacement; it’s about enhancement.
With more than three-quarters of AI users reporting increased productivity, AI is proving to be a catalyst for professional growth rather than a substitute for human talent.