AI Adoption Soars Among Desk Workers, Boosting Productivity and Job Satisfaction

The daily use of AI among desk workers has surged by 233% in just six months, according to the latest Slack Workforce Index report released by Salesforce. The study, conducted by research firm Qualtrics, surveyed 5,156 desk workers across Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US between April 9 and May 1. Notably, the survey did not target Slack or Salesforce employees or customers.

The findings reveal a significant shift in how workers leverage AI—they are now 154% more likely to use it for creative and strategic tasks rather than just automation. Daily AI users report higher productivity and job satisfaction, with 64% rating their productivity as “very good” and 81% experiencing very high job satisfaction.

Millennials Lead AI Adoption, AI Expands Skillsets

Millennials are the most active AI adopters in the workplace, with 33% using AI daily, slightly ahead of Gen Z at 28%. Remarkably, 96% of AI users say the technology has helped them complete tasks beyond their existing skillsets.

“AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, transforming work for the better,” said Peter Doolan, Slack’s EVP and Chief Customer Officer. “As more workers embrace AI, businesses can unlock greater productivity while empowering employees to focus on high-impact work.”

Trust in AI Grows with Frequent Use

The study highlights increasing confidence in AI tools, particularly among daily users. Workers who interact with AI agents daily are twice as likely to trust the technology compared to infrequent or non-users.

“As workers experiment with AI, their trust and enthusiasm grow,” said Lucas Puente, Slack’s VP of Research. “They’re not only unlocking new capabilities but discovering fresh opportunities in their daily work.”

AI Enhances Connection, Not Isolation

Contrary to fears that AI might reduce human interaction, the data suggests the opposite. Daily AI users are 246% more likely to feel connected to colleagues and report a 62% higher sense of belonging at work. Additionally:

34% of Gen Z workers say AI has made them feel more connected.
29% report increased engagement with teammates.

AI also boosts performance in key areas:
✔ Reducing the need for extensive research
✔ Enhancing writing and communication
✔ Supporting brainstorming and overcoming creative blocks

Workers Want AI for Strategic Tasks

The report also found strong demand for AI assistance in:

Brainstorming (72%)
Research for deal support (80%)
Generating presentations (82%)

Implications for South Africa’s Digital Transformation

Linda Saunders, Salesforce’s Country Manager and Senior Director of Solution Engineering for Africa, noted that the findings offer insights for South Africa’s evolving AI landscape.

“The global shift toward AI-driven creativity and strategy reflects what we can expect locally,” Saunders said. “As South Africa advances in digital transformation, AI will be crucial in unlocking productivity. Forward-thinking organizations must invest in skills and infrastructure now to stay competitive.”

The report underscores AI’s growing role in reshaping work, fostering collaboration, and driving efficiency—signaling a transformative shift in the modern workplace.