How artificial intelligence is redefining workplace productivity

Learning to use artificial intelligence tools can reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, but this doesn’t necessarily mean working fewer hours. Recent studies show that the most obvious effect so far is increased productivity: professionals can complete tasks faster or do more tasks in the same amount of time.

The difference is significant. Saving time doesn’t automatically mean reducing working hours. In many companies, the time saved is used for new demands, strategic activities, or a larger workload.

Where artificial intelligence increases productivity

One of the best-known examples comes from a study involving over 5,000 technical support professionals. Workers who had access to an AI-based assistant increased the number of problems they solved per hour by an average of 14%. Among less experienced professionals, the gains reached 35%.

The results suggest that the technology can reduce the learning curve, helping less experienced employees adopt practices used by more productive colleagues.

More recent research has also identified effects in higher-skilled activities. A study published in 2026 analyzed experiments with software developers at companies like Microsoft and Accenture to measure the impact of generative AI on productivity.

However, the effect is not uniform. The potential for gain depends on the activity performed, the tool used, and how the professional integrates AI into the process.

Work less or produce more?

If a task that used to take two hours now takes only one, there are several possibilities for the time saved:

• complete other tasks;
• spend more time on strategic tasks;
• review and improve the result;
• learn new skills;
• or, in some cases, reduce the time needed to complete the workday.

A survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), conducted with over 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, found that 31% of them already used generative AI. Among companies facing skills gaps, 39% said the technology helped compensate for these deficiencies.

This shows that productivity doesn’t depend only on knowing how to use a tool, but also on identifying which tasks can be delegated to technology.

The limits of productivity with AI

The way work is organized can itself prevent productivity gains from turning into free time. Data from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index shows that professionals are frequently interrupted by meetings, emails, and messages. In 2025, the company found an average of one interruption every two minutes during working hours.

In this scenario, using AI to write a report faster doesn’t necessarily solve the problem of too many meetings, messages, or simultaneous demands. The technology can therefore speed up tasks without reducing the workload.

What changes for those who learn AI

For professionals, the main difference may be the ability to choose where to use the technology. Tasks like summarizing documents, organizing information, creating drafts, analyzing data, or structuring presentations can take less time when part of the process is automated.

The gain tends to be greater when the person knows how to evaluate the results produced by AI, correct errors, and provide appropriate instructions.

Therefore, AI literacy involves more than just knowing commands. It also includes understanding limitations, verifying information, and deciding when a task should or shouldn’t be delegated to the tool.

The studies available so far show productivity gains in different contexts, but do not support the idea that learning AI alone will make professionals work less. The effect on working hours depends on how companies and workers use the time saved and how work is organized.