AI: Who's using it, and how?
This article was updated on 30 September 2026 with the addition of links to sources.
AI is non-negotiable
According to Slack's latest Workforce Index, AI adoption increased by a staggering 233% in the six months between November 2024 and July 2025, with 64% global workers now using AI tools regularly in their jobs. That number is even higher among younger professionals, with Millennials leading adoption at 68%. In addition to working on repetitive and administrative tasks, the popularisation of machine learning AI has also sparked innovative ways to upskill, with 9 out of 10 of AI users using these new tools to perform tasks they didn't have the skills to do themselves.
This shift is not limited to a few tech-forward companies. Salesforce's Global AI Readiness Index shows that AI is being embedded across sectors. From retail and manufacturing to finance and healthcare, 81% of global business leaders say they plan to increase AI investments in the next 18 months. Organisations are realising that those who don't adapt risk falling behind.
Generational and regional gaps are widening
While overall AI usage is growing, there are significant differences between AI confidence in different generations. Younger workers are far more likely to embrace generative AI – 70% of Gen Z respondents in Salesforce's AI Digital Skills survey (February 2025) said they are confident using AI tools, compared to only 28% of Baby Boomers. This generational gap is already having a real-world impact on team hiring and training.
Regional differences are equally stark. AI adoption is rapidly scaling in countries like the US, India, and the UK. This is however not the case for the global south, where digital infrastructure and trust are not as mature (e.g., Africa, Eastern Europe, South America). For international organisations, the balancing act between innovation with inclusive growth presents both new challenges and growth opportunities.
Trust, and the skills divide
AI may be spearheading tech innovation, but those who question its trajectory are not simply technological luddites. Its largely top-down adoption model reflects a degree of scepticism from mid- to junior-level staff. Trust is identified as the central issue, particularly around data privacy, job security, and the accuracy of AI outputs. According to Salesforce, 59% of employees are concerned about how their data is being used by AI systems, and nearly half worry they don't have the skills to keep up.
This lack of trust is compounded by a lack of training. While businesses are rolling out AI at pace, investment in workforce upskilling and development is lacking. Without clear communication, ethical safeguards, and accessible upskilling, many workers risk being left behind by the AI revolution.
Looking ahead
There is no denying that AI is reshaping the entire workforce. In the near future, perhaps we won't talk about 'AI-integrated jobs', as most will involve some level of AI interaction – be it a marketing director using AI to personalise campaigns, or a logistics manager optimising routes with predictive analytics.
As the technology continues to evolve, so too will our expectations of what work looks like. That said, he most successful organisations will be those that treat AI not as a quick-fix solution, but as part of a broader cultural shift that incorporates continuous learning and thoughtful change management.
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