Bridging the GENERATIONAL AI GAP:Unlocking productivity for all generations Explore how generational diversity and AI adoption are reshaping productivity, inclusion, and leadership in today’s workplace. Download the Full Report GENERATIONS Survey Year 2 Report As AI transforms the workplace, leaders must find ways to boost productivity across a multigenerational workforce with diverse skills and attitudes toward technology. Sponsored by Protiviti, Bridging the Generational AI Gap: Unlocking Productivity for All Generations — the second annual report in a multiyear research effort by The Inclusion Initiative at the London School of Economics — delivers practical insights to help close this gap. The report examines how different age groups engage with AI, uncovers adoption barriers, and offers strategies to build habits and skills that maximise productivity across the entire workforce. Attend the Webinar Our research debunks the myth that AI is just a young person’s game Key findings 70 % of employees use AI, with Gen Z leading at 82% and Baby Boomers at 52%. 28 % time savings through the use of AI is achieved among employees with AI training, vs. 14% time saved among employees without AI training. 77 % of high-generational-diversity teams report higher productivity on AI initiatives, vs. 66% of low-generational-diversity teams. 51 % of AI users do not trust AI-driven decisions; employees want more human oversight and transparency. 49 % of non-AI workers want to participate in AI initiatives and would dedicate a third of their time if given the chance. Key themes Generational adoption AI skills training Diverse teams Trust in AI Employee participation Leadership actions Generational adoption Generational gaps in AI adoption Younger employees are leading, but all generations benefit once they engage. Despite rapid AI adoption across the workforce, younger generations are at the forefront: 82% of Gen Z employees use AI in their jobs, compared to just 52% of Baby Boomers. However, once employees adopt AI, productivity gains are similar across generations—debunking the myth that AI is only for the young. AI skills training Training unlocks productivity Skills training is the single biggest driver of AI impact. Employees who receive AI training are far more likely to use AI (93% vs. 57%) and achieve double the productivity gains (28% time saved vs. 14%). Training closes generational gaps and empowers all employees to become AI power users, regardless of age. Diverse teams Diverse teams deliver more Generational diversity boosts team performance and belonging. Teams with high generational diversity report higher productivity (77% vs. 66%) and greater commitment and belonging. Inclusive innovation is a proven lever for organisational success, especially in AI initiatives. Trust in AI Trust in AI remains a barrier Confidence in AI decisions is low, and employees want transparency. Less than half of AI users (49%) trust AI-driven decisions. Employees across generations want more human oversight, clearer explanations, and transparency to build confidence in AI and drive adoption. Employee participation Employees want to participate There’s untapped enthusiasm for AI initiatives. Half of employees not currently working on AI initiatives want to get involved and would dedicate a third of their time if given the opportunity. Organisations can unlock more productivity by inviting broader participation. Leadership actions Leadership actions drive change Leaders can accelerate adoption and impact. Investing in tailored training, integrating AI into workflows, and celebrating peer success stories are proven ways for leaders to drive wider AI adoption and productivity across all generations. Why this research matters Dr Grace Lordan, Founding Director, The Inclusion Initiative, LSE “Our research debunks the myth that AI is just a young person’s game. With the right training and incentives, employees of any generation can become AI power users and significantly boost their productivity. The real issue is a lack of support—too many employees, young and old, aren’t getting the AI skills training they need to thrive in their roles.”Connect on LinkedIn Read more Fran Maxwell, Global Leader of People & Change, Protiviti “Generationally diverse teams working on AI initiatives consistently outperform less diverse ones, underscoring the value of inclusive innovation. To unlock AI’s full potential, leaders must invest in tailored upskilling and equitable participation across all generations.”Connect on LinkedIn Dr Daniel Jolles, Research Officer in Behavioral Science Dr Daniel Jolles is a Research Officer in Behavioural Science at (TII) at the London School of Economics and Political Science. At TII, Daniel leads the GENERATIONS Research Hub in collaboration with global business consulting firm Protiviti. GENERATIONS delivers data-driven insights to increase productivity across generations. Daniel holds a PhD in Psychology, and his research focuses on applying behavioural science to questions of generations, age-diversity, and the ageing workforce. His research is aimed at helping organisations create productive and inclusive multigenerational workforces.Connect on LinkedIn Read more Matt Duncan, Managing Director, Business Performance Improvement, Protiviti Matt Duncan joined Protiviti UK as a Managing Director in September 2022. Based in London, Matt has more than 18 years of experience delivering change successfully for his clients. Matt leads our change and transformation practice in the UK, as well as our people advisory offering. Matt specialises in leading large-scale transformation delivery across multiple sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, financial services, healthcare, retail, and government. His recent consulting projects include helping establish a global employee experience function at a global FMCG organisation, a digital transformation programme and leading an HR transformation programme at a pharma major.Connect on LinkedIn Keep up Key links All GENERATIONS Survey Results Key links Download the full report Attend our webinar Explore our AI Studio Explore our People & Change services All GENERATIONS Survey Results Preliminary report - January 2024 Year 1 Report – October 2024 Year 2 Report – October 2025
