Research studies reveal mixed outcomes on workplace AI time savings

A new study from the London School of Economics shows that using artificial intelligence can save employees an average of seven and a half hours each week. Researchers surveyed roughly 3,000 workers alongside 240 executives across the globe to measure how software tools alter daily office routines. The report found that formal instruction makes a massive difference, as workers who completed recent guidance saved 11 hours weekly compared to just five hours for those without instruction.

These findings challenge popular assumptions about modern tech tools in office environments. Many people assume younger generations automatically gain the most benefit from new digital platforms, but the data indicates that proper instruction matters far more than a worker's age. An older employee who completes a skills program can actually achieve greater time savings than a younger colleague who is left to learn independently. Additionally, project groups featuring a wide mix of ages reported higher overall output than groups with limited age diversity.

Despite these measurable benefits, the study highlights that 68 percent of employees received no guidance on these digital tools over the past year. What remains unclear is whether companies will use these saved hours to reduce employee burnout or simply demand higher total output. Self-reported time gains can also be difficult to measure accurately, raising questions about whether these hours translate into true business value or simply change how staff track their daily tasks.