AI productivity gains offset by rework costs, study finds
Fewer than half of roles in organizations have been updated to include AI-related skills, according to the study. In organizations struggling to achieve net productivity gains, less than 25% of roles are reported as AI-ready.
“AI has been layered onto roles that were never updated to accommodate it,” the report states.
Despite these challenges, the research identifies a successful model. Employees classified as “Augmented Strategists” consistently generate net productivity gains. Among this group, 93% treat AI as a tool to spot patterns rather than perform work for them, and 79% report increased skills training. Nearly all members of this group would recommend their organization as a place to work.
The study reveals a reinvestment problem. Organizations currently allocate 39% of AI cost savings to technology and infrastructure versus just 30% to workforce development. North American organizations are least likely to reinvest in people, with only 64% doing so compared with 84% in EMEA and 89% in APAC.
“Four in five agree that organizations that reinvest productivity gains into workforce development will be more competitive and resilient over the long term,” according to the research.
