Generative AI usage has nearly doubled in the past six months, with 75% of global knowledge workers now using it, according to Microsoft and LinkedIn’s 2024 Work Trend Index released today.

The report is based on a survey of 31,000 people across 31 countries as well as data from hiring trends on LinkedIn, Microsoft 365 productivity signals and research with Fortune 500 customers of Microsoft.

Top motivators for AI adoption include time savings, prioritization of most crucial work, enhanced creativity and increased job satisfaction.

Despite 79% of leaders acknowledging AI’s critical role in maintaining competitiveness, 59% worry about quantifying the productivity gains of AI. In addition, 60% say their company lacks a vision and plan to implement it.

“AI is democratizing expertise across the workforce,” Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said in a press release. “Our latest research highlights the opportunity for every organization to apply this technology to drive better decision-making, collaboration — and ultimately business outcomes.”

Still, cybersecurity and data privacy emerged as leaders’ top concerns, compounded by worries over talent shortages, particularly in cybersecurity, engineering and creative design.

While 45% of professionals worry AI will replace their job, 46% are considering quitting in the year ahead — higher than the 40% who said the same ahead of 2021’s Great Resignation. A separate LinkedIn study found a 14% increase in job applications per role in the US since last fall, with 85% of professionals eyeing career moves this year.

The survey also found that although 66% of leaders say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills, only 39% of users have received AI training from their company and only 25% of companies expect to offer it this year.

Additionally, 71% of leaders say they’d rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without them.

The report also identified four AI user types: skeptics, who rarely use AI; novices, who use AI a few times a month; explorers, who use it a few times a month or once a week; and power users, who use AI at least several times per week.

While power users cite saving more than 30 minutes a day, more than 90% of them say AI makes their overwhelming workload more manageable and their work more enjoyable.

However, 61% of AI power users are more likely to hear from their CEO on the importance of using generative AI at work, while 53% are more likely to receive encouragement from leadership to consider how AI can transform their function, and 35% are more likely to receive tailored AI training for their specific role or function.

“AI is redefining work, and it’s clear we need new playbooks,” LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky said in a press release. “It’s the leaders who build for agility instead of stability and invest in skill building internally that will give their organizations a competitive advantage and create more efficient, engaged and equitable teams.”