Paying it backward: Gen Z workers teach older colleagues AI, saving 55 minutes daily

Gen Z employees are increasingly taking on the role of AI tutors for older colleagues, with nearly 60% actively coaching veteran workers on AI app usage, according to a new survey by International Workplace Group, a hybrid workplace provider. This mentorship dynamic is not only bridging generational divides in the workplace but also driving significant productivity gains and creating new business opportunities for companies.

What you should know: The study surveyed 2,016 professionals from the U.S. and U.K., revealing that Gen Z’s digital fluency is transforming workplace dynamics through AI education.

• Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z workers voluntarily help older coworkers learn AI applications, shifting perceptions of the generation previously viewed as aloof and independent-minded.
• About half of respondents said this tutoring has begun bridging generational workplace divides that emerged as Gen Z entered the workforce in large numbers.
• The collaboration creates a “two-way exchange” where younger employees share digital skills while senior colleagues contribute experience and strategic perspectives.

The productivity impact: AI adoption guided by Gen Z mentorship is delivering measurable efficiency gains across organizations.

• 86% of respondents reported increased efficiency from using AI apps, with workers saving an average of 55 minutes daily through task automation.
• This time savings adds up to nearly a full workday per week, allowing 80% of employees to focus on “higher-value tasks” instead of routine work.
• 76% of participants believe the technology has already benefited their careers.

Business opportunities emerge: Management teams are discovering unexpected value from these cross-generational AI training sessions.

• 82% of respondents in management roles said training efforts by younger employees generated inventive use case suggestions that created new business opportunities for their companies.
• The extended interactions between generations often surface previously unexplored applications that managers can develop into strategic initiatives.

Common AI applications: Workers primarily use AI for automating repetitive, lower-impact tasks that free up time for more strategic work.

• Popular uses include drafting emails, transcribing meeting notes, organizing files, data entry, filling forms, and composing marketing materials.
• 46% of survey participants said AI apps helped them prepare for meetings more effectively.
• 36% credited the technology with improving their ability to review insights from online exchanges and follow up on promising ideas.

Remote work benefits: AI tools are particularly valuable for hybrid and distributed teams, with nearly 70% of hybrid employees saying AI makes working with team members in different locations easier.

What they’re saying: International Workplace Group CEO Mark Dixon emphasized the reciprocal nature of this workplace evolution.

• “This support often takes different forms, from hands-on guidance to sharing practical tips to integrate AI into daily workflows,” Dixon told CNBC.
• “Our research shows that older colleagues are showing real openness to AI and, just as importantly, to learning from younger generations.”
• “In today’s digital-first era, AI is emerging as a powerful unifier across generations,” Dixon said. “This active exchange of knowledge and skills is bringing generations closer, fostering open collaboration, ultimately helping to build a stronger, more resilient team.”