Recent research from the London School of Economics (LSE) Inclusion Initiative highlights a significant potential for productivity enhancement through artificial intelligence (AI). According to the report, “Bridging the Generational AI Gap: Unlocking Productivity for All Generations,” employees utilizing AI save approximately 7.5 hours a week—equivalent to a full workday—translating to an annual productivity gain of around $18,000 per employee. While this data underscores the transformative power of AI, a staggering 68% of employees lack recent AI training, leaving many organizations at a standstill in terms of unlocking efficiency gains.
### The Research Findings
The research surveyed nearly 3,000 workers and 240 executives worldwide, revealing that AI isn’t merely a tool for tech-savvy youth but a resource that can enhance productivity across all generations in the workforce. Dr. Daniel Jolles and Dr. Grace Lordan spearheaded this study, emphasizing the lack of recent AI training as a critical gap. Dr. Lordan articulated the urgency from a business leadership perspective, stating that closing this training gap could produce measurable returns through improved individual productivity, sharper decision-making, and accelerated innovation.
Significantly, the data indicates that training—rather than age—decisively influences AI adoption and productivity. An impressive 93% of employees who received AI training reported using AI in their roles, contrasting sharply with just 57% of those who did not receive similar training. Those trained achieved an average of 11 hours saved per week, as opposed to only 5 hours for their untrained counterparts. This suggests that organizations stand to benefit significantly from investing in AI skills training for their entire workforce.
### The Role of Inclusivity in AI
Another vital observation from the study is the performance of inclusive, multigenerational teams in delivering AI initiatives. A robust 77% of employees in such teams reported productive outcomes compared to only 66% among teams lacking generational diversity. This highlights the advantages of engaging diverse teams that combine the experiences of older generations with the technological fluency of younger employees.
Dr. Jolles emphasized the importance of relevant training in enhancing productivity, especially for older employees who possess extensive business experience. Such training can help bridge the generational divide, encouraging collaboration and fostering a stronger working environment.
### A Shift in Perspective
The study implies a fundamental shift in how AI should be viewed in organizational settings. AI is not merely a tool; it acts as a catalyst for reimagining organizational structures and workflows. Fran Maxwell of Protiviti noted that effective integration of AI into daily activities requires redesigning roles to focus on high-value tasks and empowering employees to experiment with this technology. Organizations that succeed in this endeavor will not merely enhance productivity but will also be well-positioned to tackle the evolving challenges of the workplace.
### Addressing Talent-Related Risks
AI and talent-related risks have emerged as top challenges for executives, particularly in light of Protiviti’s 2025 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks Survey. The potential gap in labor availability and skills required for leveraging emerging technologies presents a pressing concern. The LSE report reinforces that investing in AI skills training across generations is key for mitigating these risks. Companies that create multigenerational teams are more likely to see increased employee commitment and achieve greater organizational benefits.
### Conclusion
The insights from the LSE Inclusion Initiative’s research shed light on the necessity of AI training for unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology. While the productivity gains attributed to AI are substantial, the current lack of training among a significant portion of the workforce poses a barrier to realizing these benefits. Organizations that prioritize inclusive training for all generations will not only see immediate productivity improvements but will also be better equipped to adapt to ongoing changes in the workplace dynamic.
In an increasingly competitive landscape, it becomes imperative for businesses to invest in the necessary training to ensure that their employees can maximize the potential of AI. Organizations must act swiftly to create an environment where every employee, regardless of generation, is empowered to leverage AI effectively. This investment in human capital will serve as a cornerstone for organizational success and innovation in the era of artificial intelligence.
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