A new report by Freshworks highlights the growing positive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global workforce, with one-third of employees reporting salary increases thanks to AI. This comes as part of a broader trend, with companies increasingly leveraging AI to enhance productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.

The survey, which involved 4,000 adults across seven countries, revealed that 38% of respondents have benefited from AI through salary bumps or promotions. More than just financial perks, AI is also significantly improving employees' work experiences, with three-quarters of participants noting that AI is making their workload more manageable and contributing to a more positive workday.

In fact, 98% of those surveyed shared that AI is giving them back time in their workday, which is being used to enhance productivity, take on more complex and creative tasks, and coach or mentor colleagues. Of those respondents, 71% reported using the extra time to be more productive, 66% to engage in more creative or challenging work, and 67% to support their peers through coaching or mentoring.

Mika Yamamoto, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Freshworks, emphasized that the findings indicate a shift towards a "people-first AI." "People-first AI doesn't replace people, it works alongside them," Yamamoto stated. "It can transform organisations by removing busywork and accelerating productivity, enabling people to do more with less, improving both customer and employee satisfaction. AI is also freeing up time and resources for reinvestment in innovation and more strategic work."

While the benefits of AI are becoming increasingly clear, the report also highlights concerns over the potential for AI to replace jobs. A recent World Economic Forum study revealed that 41% of employers plan to downsize their workforce in areas where AI can replicate human tasks. However, the Freshworks report suggests that organizations are taking steps to mitigate these challenges, with 77% of employers planning to reskill and upskill their employees to work alongside AI.

Freshworks' data supports this, showing that 68% of leaders are investing in upskilling their employees in AI, with 55% seeking AI skills when considering promotions. Additionally, 45% of employers plan to create and hire AI-specific roles within their organizations to ensure they remain competitive in the evolving market.

Laks Srinivasan, co-founder of the Return on AI Institute, emphasized that building AI skills within teams is critical to generating tangible business value. "It's not about how much data you have or how big a model you build," Srinivasan explained. "It's about human behavior. How do you change the company, the way they think, the way they behave? That’s how to leverage AI for meaningful value."

This report underscores the importance of aligning AI adoption with a commitment to reskilling and upskilling efforts. By prioritizing human capital development alongside technological advancements, companies can maximize the potential of AI while fostering a workforce that can thrive in an AI-enhanced environment. With AI empowering employees to be more productive and engaged, organizations stand to benefit from improved performance, innovation, and long-term sustainability.