Generative AI is gaining traction in the US workplace among young leaders, according to a survey released Nov. 25 by Google Workspace.

It found that 82% of survey respondents leverage AI tools at work, while nearly all, 98%, anticipate AI to impact their industry or workplace within five years.

“Our research shows that emerging leaders are adopting AI to increase their impact at work,” Yulie Kwon Kim, VP of product at Google Workspace, said in a press release. “Rising leaders are not simply using AI as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst to help grow their careers.”

Among young leaders who identify as Gen Z and millennials, 93% and 79%, respectively, use two or more tools every week.

Google Workspace defines young leaders as workers aged 22 to 39 who currently have or aspire to hold a leadership position.

More than 50% of the surveyed AI users reported regularly sharing their experiences and insights with colleagues, with 75% recommending  GenAI tools to peers.

The survey found individuals are using AI to supercharge productivity and enhance communication to solve common challenges for the modern worker, with 70% having used AI for tasks such as drafting email responses, writing challenging emails from scratch or helping overcome language barriers.

Benefits of AI adoption cited by workers include:

• Enhanced confidence joining meetings on the go with AI-generated notes, 90%
• Overcoming task paralysis, 88%
• Improved writing, 88%
• Flexibility in composing lengthy emails on phones, 87%

AI’s potential to reshape work is significant. Eighty-six percent of survey respondents believe that AI can help current leaders become better managers, 79% expressed interest in using AI to become better managers, 47% said AI can enhance communication to improve problem-solving and facilitate better relationships, and 50% recognize the current and potential impact of AI in automating routine tasks, enabling more focus on strategic work.

Kwon Kim noted that rising leaders are not only advocating for AI — they’re deploying this technology in meaningful ways, from improving communication with colleagues to freeing up time for strategic work.

“The future of work is here — and it’s AI-powered,” Kwon Kim said.

The survey includes responses from 1,005 US knowledge workers aged 22 to 39 who are employed or self-employed full time and currently hold or aspire to leadership positions.