Many British office workers are frequently using generative AI and report a boost in job satisfaction, raising hopes it can improve their productivity, according to new research from Accenture.

The research, based on a recent survey of 2,002 UK workers in office-based and remote roles, shows a growing use of generative AI in the workplace, with four in ten (42%) workers surveyed using generative AI tools at least once per week, and one in ten (10%) workers using them daily.

Just over two-thirds (67%) of those who have used generative AI tools at work said it made them feel more satisfied^[about their job, and the vast majority (92%) say they find them useful. Just over a quarter (26%) also report that it makes them feel more productive and already frees up time to do more quality work.

The most popular tasks people are using generative AI to help them with include administrative and operational processes (28%), research and data analysis (27%), and brainstorming (24%).

Younger generations are most likely to embrace generative AI, with almost two thirds (63%) of generation Z workers (18–24-year-olds) using the technology at least once per week, compared with just over a fifth (22%) of those aged 55 and over.

The research also shows a generational divide in the uptake of workplace training on generative AI. Over half (58%) of those aged 18-24-years-old have received training on generative AI, versus only 17% of those aged over 55.

Emma Kendrew, Technology lead for Accenture in the UK, said: “The rise of generative AI is an opportunity for organisations to reinvent the tasks people do day-to-day.

Despite the technology being in its infancy, it is already starting to win over workers and proving useful, particularly those just starting their careers. This emerging generational split means UK employers now need to create a strategy to ensure their entire workforce is best positioned to thrive in this new era of AI.”

The poll also surveyed people on how they would want to spend their working lives if AI helped them with elements of their job. In a recent report, Accenture estimated that 40% of working hours will be impacted by generative AI.

When asked on how they would spend their time saved, respondents were most likely to prioritise their work life balance, with over a quarter (27%) of respondents opting to have more time to focus on their life outside of work.

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“It’s still very early days to fully understand how generative AI will change the future of work,” Kendrew continued. “We’re already seeing people experiment with it in a broad range of ways, from helping with mundane, process-driven tasks to more creative areas such as idea generation, as people look for more productive ways of working.

“What is clear is that that there will continue to be a strong appetite for AI from office workers, with many exploring it as an opportunity to find greater overall satisfaction in their working lives.”