AI is forging a double-edged sword for Gen Z workers’ skills

AI technology is creating a complex dynamic for Generation Z workers, simultaneously enhancing certain capabilities while potentially eroding fundamental workplace skills. Recent research from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University suggests increasing AI reliance correlates with decreased critical thinking among workers, creating a crucial inflection point for employers managing young talent. This tension between AI as enabler versus crutch highlights the importance of developing intentional strategies to help Gen Z workers leverage AI effectively while maintaining essential human skills.

The big picture: Gen Z employees are experiencing both significant advantages and concerning drawbacks as AI becomes increasingly embedded in workplace processes.

Key downsides: Behavioral analysts and employers have identified several concerning effects of AI dependence on younger workers’ cognitive abilities.

• Maria Gafforio from Canvas8 has observed AI technology weakening Gen Z workers’ attention spans, diminishing their capacity for deep work, and undermining their ability to critically evaluate their own output.
• Research from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University indicates that increased AI reliance correlates directly with reduced critical thinking, resulting in less diverse work outcomes.
• Dell‘s Naveen Kumar Ramakrishna notes many young employees struggle to understand concepts holistically when AI fills knowledge gaps, often missing the bigger picture without applying necessary critical analysis.

Workplace benefits: Despite these challenges, AI provides significant advantages that can enhance Gen Z productivity and close skill gaps.

• Cornerstone’s Carina Cortez highlights AI’s ability to strengthen areas where young workers often struggle, including conflict resolution, help-seeking behaviors, and effective communication.
• The technology enables Gen Z employees to work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks, freeing time for more creative and strategic contributions.

Best practices: Experts recommend specific strategies to maximize AI’s benefits while mitigating potential negative impacts on skill development.

• Companies should prioritize AI literacy training while encouraging employees to balance automation with human intuition and judgment.
• Organizations need to emphasize creativity over simple replication, teaching young workers to use AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for critical thinking.

Why this matters: As Kraig Kleenman, founder of The New Workplace, notes, “Gen Z isn’t being replaced by AI—they’re evolving alongside it. The companies that recognize this shift and empower their workforce accordingly will gain a long-term competitive advantage.”