Half of Canadian C-suite leaders say younger staff’s AI skills have improved productivity, quality of work
Gen Z employees are playing a leading role in helping Canadian organisations adopt artificial intelligence tools, highlighting a strong cross-generational dynamic in AI adoption, according to an International Workplace Group (IWG) report.
Specifically, more than half (55 per cent) of younger employees in Canada are actively helping older, more tenured colleagues adopt and learn to use AI tools.
“Younger generations are playing a pivotal role by sharing their digital skills with their colleagues, which enhances performance and uncovers new business opportunities,” says Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG.
“It connects cross-generational expertise, strengthens workplace bonds, and enhances performance across the workplace, resulting in significant productivity gains. By having younger, digitally savvy employees coach tenured colleagues on AI tools, it can rapidly accelerate upskilling opportunities in the workplace,” he tells Canadian HR Reporter.
AI innovations unlock opportunities
Nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) directors in Canada report that this support allows them to focus on higher-value tasks, while 61 per cent say AI innovations introduced by younger colleagues have unlocked new business opportunities.
“AI frees up time and creates efficiencies, allowing employees to focus on higher-value, strategic tasks rather than repetitive administrative work. It’s a win-win for both employers and employees,” says Dixon. “These significant, AI-enabled productivity gains are helping to create more connected, agile teams ready for the future of work.”
The report also found that about half (52 per cent) of C-suite leaders say younger staff’s AI skills have improved their department’s productivity, and 48 per cent say they have noticed improvements in younger employees’ quality of work.
“With the rise of technology and AI, younger workers who embrace AI tools and collaborate with colleagues to drive better outcomes will be well-positioned to move up the ranks quickly,” says Dixon. “Their ability to support colleagues and drive new business opportunities will naturally lead to faster career progression and higher compensation.”
Canadian workers are embracing AI with more optimism and trust than their global peers, according to a previous Adecco Group report.
AI and the dispersed workforce
The IWG study – based on a survey of over 1,000 professionals across Canada – found particular benefits for hybrid workers. A majority (56 per cent) of hybrid workers say AI is making it easier to collaborate with colleagues across locations. Respondents cited benefits such as:
- improved meeting preparation (42 per cent)
- real-time language translation or transcription (32 per cent)
- stronger post-meeting follow-ups (32 per cent) as key benefits
- freed-up time for team building and communication (31 per cent).
In hybrid models, AI is also influencing how office time is used. With automation taking over routine tasks, hybrid professionals reported prioritising strategic thinking (35 per cent), learning and development (35 per cent), face-to-face collaboration (33 per cent) and networking (27 per cent) during in-office days. According to the survey, 46 per cent of workers say AI is helping them achieve better outcomes and 56 per cent believe it is making hybrid work smoother and more effective.
At the same time, many workers are conscious of the risks of not adopting AI. The report found that 59 per cent of respondents worry that failing to learn AI tools could slow their career progression, and 53 per cent believe those who do not adopt AI risk being left behind. Nearly half (47 per cent) say AI is helping to bridge generational divides, and 44 per cent report regularly sharing AI knowledge with colleagues, a figure that rises to 55 per cent among Gen Z.
Dixon says employer-led skills development will be crucial as AI becomes more embedded in day-to-day work.
“Upskilling through learning and development courses is key to equipping employees with the necessary AI skills,” he says. “It’s important for employers to foster an environment of curiosity and continuous learning while providing access to the necessary upskilling and career development opportunities.”
With AI adoption, one of the big risks in companies is that people are not getting formal training, according to one expert.
