Almost all active AI users believe that the technology allows them to focus more on higher-level responsibilities such as strategy and problem solving, according to a global survey from Workday.

In its latest report, Elevating Human Potential: The AI Skills Revolution, Workday found that  93% of those who use AI regularly think it can help humans to take on more meaningful work, with 83% believing AI will elevate the importance of uniquely human skills.

In a survey of 2,500 full-time workers from a variety of industries across the world, Workday found that active users of AI are the most optimistic about its benefits, giving a sentiment score of 4.23 out of 5, while those planning to adopt AI within the next twelve months show the lowest optimism with an average score of 3.89.

According to Workday, these figures signal a growing positive attitude around the adoption of AI in the workplace, with comparable research from Workday last year finding only 52% of employees were welcoming of AI in their workplace.

Worker’s positivity has grown alongside their confidence, with 91% reporting that they feel able to use AI tools to assist in complex work, 83% saying that AI is supporting them in developing new skills in their role.

However, the survey also highlighted those skills that workers believe AI can never replace, including networking and relationship building (28%), ethical decision making (26%), conflict resolution (24%), and cultural sensitivity and adaption (21%).

Across multiple scenarios, ethical decision-making consistently ranked the most valuable human-centric skill, both today and in a future shaped by full AI adoption.

Some of those skills align with what managers said is missing from AI-adoption strategies within their organisations, with 21% citing a lack of cultural sensitivity, while a similar number said they were concerned about AI’s ability to adjust to change (21%) and plan strategically (19%). 

Workday said that the data reveals a clear trend that human-centric skills are becoming more vital to employers in the face of increasing AI adoption.

Despite this, the study found a disparity between employees and leaders regarding the need for human connection in the workplace, with 82% of workers believing the need for human interaction will intensify as AI usage increases, but only 65% of managers shared that view.

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When asked how AI adoption will impact the leadership and management of departments, respondents said it will enhance data-driven decision-making, allow them to prioritise upskilling and reskilling of their staff to work alongside AI tech, and allow them to reallocate resources to more critical areas as AI automates routine functions.

“The conversation around AI often focuses on fear and job loss, but we see it as an incredible opportunity,” said Jim Stratton, chief technology officer, Workday. 

“By embracing AI for good, we can elevate what makes us uniquely human – our creativity, our empathy, our ability to connect – and build a workplace where these skills drive success. Our research shows that workers are ready to embrace this possibility as reality.”