AI Usage by Desk Workers Jumps in Salesforce Survey

A recent Salesforce report details just how much artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being used in the workplace today.

The company’s Slack Workforce Index revealed a significant increase in AI adoption and excitement among desk workers, with daily usage rising  233% in just six months and found AI has emerged as a clear competitive advantage—workers who use AI daily prove to be 64% more productive and 81% more satisfied with their job than colleagues not using AI.

The survey of 5,000 global desk workers details that workers are using AI to level up as 96% used the tools to perform tasks they previously didn’t have the skills to do themselves. Additionally, 154% , today’s workers are more likely to turn to AI agents to help them perform tasks better and more creatively, rather than to just simply automate their work.

Rapid Adoption

Peter Doolan, EVP & Chief Customer Officer at Slack, Salesforce, observed that AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, and it’s changing the way the world works for the better.

“As more workers embrace AI, businesses are able to unlock greater productivity and value, and help their employees focus on work that drives real impact and growth,” said Doolan in a statement.

Growing Confidence in AI

The most recent survey ss a departure from earlier trends those had shown were slower to adopt AI than executives. But in the past few months, 60% of desk workers now using AI and 40% using AI agents.

This rise coincides with trust and confidence in AI grows with use; workers who use AI agents daily are twice as likely to trust them. As workers more at ease on incorporating AI tools, businesses can deliver on their AI vision and unlock the full potential of digital labor within their organizations, according to Salesforce officials.

“When it comes to workers and AI, the data shows us that seeing is believing,” said Lucas Puente, VP of Research. “As workers actually use and experiment with AI agents, their trust and enthusiasm in this technology grows— and we see them leveraging agents to unlock new skills and opportunities in their everyday work.”

Breakdown by Generation

Where is the growth coming from? According to the Index, Millennials are emerging as the surprise AI power user at work as 30% of this cohort say they thoroughly understand AI agents. Sixty-eight percent Millennials use AI for strategic work like drafting, summarizing, and ideating as 43% of executives report daily AI use, compared to 35% of senior managers and 23% of middle managers.

Those that utilize AI stated it is making them more productive and enabling them to grow into more creative, strategic work. Compared to non-users, daily AI users are more likely to report “very good” when it comes to productivity (64%) focus (58%) and job satisfaction (81%).

The top three ways AI / AI agents have increased worker productivity are:

• Eliminating need for extensive research
• Assisting with writing/communication
• Helping brainstorm to overcome creative blocks

No Disconnect

As for those that worry AI will cause a disconnect among workers, the index told a different story. Daily AI users are 246% more likely to feel more connected to colleagues and reported a 62% higher sense of belonging at work.

A third of the digital native generation, Gen Z, reported AI has made them feel more connected at work. And 50% of this cohort say AI hasn’t changed how often they ask questions or collaborate with teammates; in fact, 29% say it’s actually increased their engagement.