1 in 3 workers are using AI multiple times a week - and they're shouting about it

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New research from Slack's Workforce Lab suggests increasing numbers of workers use artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity. However, while some staff embrace AI, other employees risk being left behind.

The survey reports AI use among desk workers has increased 23% since January 2024 and 60% since September 2023. The research found that 81% of workers using AI are more productive.

Also: AI 'won't replace' creative skills, study finds

Yet the survey also shows some potential advocates for AI remain on the fringes. For example, 16% of workers are superfans of AI, meaning they are excited and admire the advances made in AI but are not ready yet to make the most of the emerging technology at work. 

Other key takeaways from the survey include: 

Executive urgency to incorporate AI tools into business operations has increased sevenfold since January 2024 and is now a top concern, surpassing inflation or the broader economy. 73% of desk workers say AI hype is warranted and the technology "will have a big impact". Those who have used AI tools are even more convinced.Enthusiasm is growing and 47% of global desk workers now express enthusiasm for AI to handle job tasks (compared with 42% at the start of the year).The desire to use AI at work varies by age and gender: "The youngest workers show the most enthusiasm for AI, with 55% of workers ages 18 to 29 saying they're excited for AI and automation to handle parts of their work, compared with 33% of workers over age 60," the survey explains.

The Slack research included interviews and surveys of 5,000 full-time desk workers, which uncovered five distinct AI personas that employers need to understand as they implement AI and bring workers on board. 

The research noted that "the AI Team" will include a workplace where humans and agents work together. 

Also: A third of all generative AI projects will be abandoned, says Gartner

Here are the five personas employees adopt when using AI at work: 

The Maximalist (30%): Maximalists use AI multiple times weekly to improve their work and shout from the rooftops about it. Maximalists are strong users and advocates of AI -- 65% say their use of AI actively encourages others to use the technology. Their number-one motivation for using AI is to produce higher-quality work. Nearly half of maximalists say the use of AI is actively encouraged at their company, regardless of guidelines for use.The Underground (20%): Undergrounds are Maximalists in disguise, using AI often but hesitant to share with their colleagues that they are doing so. Over half (55%) of the Underground population use AI at least a couple of times a week, and nearly three-quarters (74%) don't actively share about their use or encourage others to use AI. Why not share? That's because 43% say their company doesn't encourage using AI at work.The Rebel (19%): Rebels don't subscribe to the AI hype. They avoid using AI and consider it unfair when coworkers use these tools. Most rebels (66%) never use AI at work and 58% believe AI threatens society. The Rebels who keep this mindset may find themselves looking for new employment. The Superfan (16%): Superfans are excited and admire the advances made in AI, but aren't yet making the most use out of it at work. Almost three-quarters (72%) of Superfans use AI once a month. Most do admire co-workers who apply AI to their work in creative ways. The Observer (16%): Observers have yet to integrate AI into their work. They are watching with interest and caution. This population is mostly indifferent (66%) about AI in the workplace. One-third are interested in learning or further developing AI skills. Companies can work proactively to inspire one out of five workers to be AI advocates. The true enemy of progress is indifference. 

The Slack survey found that training matters. Employees trained in AI are seven times more likely to trust AI tools to assist them with work-related tasks and 19 times more likely to report that AI improves productivity. 

Companies must focus on building their AI teams by investing more in AI training. The Rebels and Observers make up nearly one-third of modern workers. Employees with these personas risk being left behind if they maintain the same attitude toward AI adoption at work.