For the fourth annual Work Trend Index, out today, Microsoft partnered with LinkedIn for the first time on a joint report so they could provide a comprehensive view of how AI is not only reshaping work, but the labor market more broadly. They surveyed 31,000 people across 31 countries, identified labor and hiring trends from LinkedIn, analysed trillions of Microsoft 365 productivity signals and conducted research with Fortune 500 customers. The data points to insights every leader and professional needs to know — and actions they can take — when it comes to AI’s implications for work.
1. Employees Embrace AI While Companies Lag Behind
Three-quarters of knowledge workers (75%) are already using AI at work. Employees, feeling overwhelmed, find AI saves time, boosts creativity, and allows them to focus on essential tasks. Despite 79% of leaders recognising AI's importance for competitiveness, 59% are concerned about measuring AI's productivity gains and 60% believe their company lacks a clear implementation plan. While leaders grapple with transforming individual productivity gains into organisational benefits, 78% of AI users bring their own tools to work. Leaders must harness this momentum for a positive return on investment.
2. AI Elevates Career Opportunities and Breaks Barriers
AI is reshaping the job market. While concerns about AI-induced job losses persist, many are considering career changes, and employees with AI skills are in high demand. A majority of leaders (55%) worry about finding enough talent to fill open roles, especially in cybersecurity, engineering, and creative design. Globally, 46% of professionals are contemplating quitting within the next year, with 85% in the US eyeing career moves. Although two-thirds of leaders would not hire someone without AI skills, only 39% of users have received company training. Consequently, professionals are upskilling independently, with a significant increase in LinkedIn members adding AI skills and using LinkedIn Learning courses. AI mentions in job posts drive a 17% increase in applications, highlighting the mutual benefit for organisations that provide AI tools and training and for professionals who develop these skills.
3. The Emergence of AI Power Users and Future Insights
Research identifies four types of AI users, ranging from skeptics to power users. Power users, who extensively utilise AI, have significantly altered their work routines, reimagining business processes and saving over 30 minutes daily. Over 90% of power users find AI makes their workload more manageable and enjoyable. These users are more likely to work for companies that actively promote AI use, with 61% hearing from their CEO about AI's importance, 53% receiving encouragement from leadership, and 35% getting role-specific AI training.
“AI is redefining work, necessitating new strategies,” says Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn. “Leaders who prioritise agility and invest in internal skill development will gain a competitive edge, fostering more efficient, engaged, and equitable teams.”
