GenAI is becoming an advisor, a consultant, an expert mentor and a trusted friend of professionals in workplaces
upGrad Enterprise, the corporate skilling and workforce development division of online skilling entity upGrad, has unveiled an extensive study titled ‘The GenAI Gap: GenZ & the Modern Workplace’. This study explores how GenZ professionals are adopting Generative AI (GenAI) in the workplace and the implications for organizations.
Based on insights from over 3,500 GenZ professionals across diverse backgrounds and more than 1,000 HR leaders, the report examines GenZ’s usage patterns, attitudes, and expectations surrounding GenAI. It also highlights the role of organizations in cultivating a GenAI-friendly mindset among their workforces.
The findings reveal that GenZ professionals are optimistic and forward-thinking when it comes to GenAI. 1 in 2 GenZs believe that GenAI will play a supportive, if not central role in their careers over the next 5 years.
Adoption rates are high, with 73 percent of GenZ already integrating GenAI into their daily tasks with 72 percent relying on GenAI-produced outputs with minimal edits—clear evidence that this generation sees GenAI as an integral part of their daily workflows. Interestingly, GenZ demonstrates greater environmental consciousness, being three times more concerned about GenAI’s ecological impact compared to organizations.
Srikanth Iyengar, CEO of upGrad Enterprise, says, “Years of close collaboration with global organisations and GCCs have given us unique insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by professionals and even companies who are planning their growth strategies.”
“Therefore, we have leveraged our expertise to design this report, offering an in-depth look into the current landscape – highlighting not only how GenZ is embracing AI but also the urgent need for organizations to establish supportive policies and implement targeted training,” comments Iyengar.
“upGrad Enterprise is committed to equipping the corporate ecosystem globally with real skills and tool capabilities that will add real value to both their careers and business success in an AI-powered world,” adds he.
The report arrives after upGrad Enterprise released its extensive take on realities and concerns of Sales professionals, further revealing some stark findings highlighting the skills gap. The current edition adds another dimension, bringing a new group of professionals to the forefront and reflecting India’s growing adaptability to AI, alongside the broader aspirations of GenZ professionals who view GenAI as a pathway to innovative and efficient workflows.
key findings:
● Despite some concerns over job security – 65 percent of GenZ respondents reported feeling neutral to optimistic about GenAI, while 77 percent see the technology as a harbinger of new professional possibilities.
● Interestingly, 56 percent of Gen Z respondents prefer consulting GenAI over their managers, due to its constant accessibility and perceived impartiality.
● Over 54 percent of Gen Z respondents believe their current organisational guidelines on GenAI are inadequate, revealing a need for companies to establish clearer AI policies and comprehensive training.
● 52 percent of GenZ respondents acknowledge a lack of clarity around their workplace GenAI training programs, with some highlighting that updates are rare or nonexistent—emphasizing the widespread inaccessibility of upskilling opportunities in today’s workplaces.
● Only 21 percent of HR professionals feel comfortable relying on GenAI for regulatory training, highlighting the need for compliance-focused resources.
Qaisar
