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New data from The Harris Poll for Google Workspace shows that adoption of generative AI among rising leaders is already mainstream. 82% of young leaders report using AI tools at work, and 98% expect AI to affect their industry or workplace within the next five years. For CIOs, HR leaders, and team managers, this is a clear opportunity to earn trust by standardizing high value use cases, building skills, and measuring outcomes that improve how people work together.
Adoption Is High And Momentum Is Spreading
AI adoption is quickly becoming a social phenomenon, spreading organically and establishing a new baseline for how modern teams work. The charge is led by the youngest emerging leaders, with 93% of those in Gen Z using two or more AI tools weekly compared to 79% of their millennial peers. This enthusiasm creates a powerful network effect, fueled by a culture of peer-to-peer advocacy where more than half of users regularly share experiences and 75% actively recommend tools to colleagues. The result is a grassroots movement that elevates the skills, norms, and collective capabilities of the entire team from the bottom up.
AI Is Tackling Everyday Friction
A significant majority (88%) see AI as a crucial tool for tackling overwhelming tasks and mastering the right tone in their writing. This extends to daily communication, where 70% already use it to draft emails, handle difficult messages, or overcome language barriers. In addition, AI is becoming a key enabler of mobility and flexible work. An overwhelming 90% feel more confident joining meetings on the go when AI takes notes, and 87% are more comfortable composing longer messages from their phones.
Beyond Productivity: Building Leadership Skills
A fundamental shift is underway in how emerging leaders perceive artificial intelligence, viewing it less as a personal productivity tool and more as a catalyst for better management. This belief is widespread, with a remarkable 86% feel AI can help current executives become better leaders, and 79% are keen to use it to strengthen their own skills. This aspiration is grounded in practical gains, as half (50%) recognize that automating routine work frees them for strategic priorities, while 47% see it enhancing team-wide communication and problem-solving. The picture is clear and consistent: when AI absorbs administrative friction, leaders can invest their time in coaching their people, providing strategic clarity, and making critical decisions.
What Brands Can Do
- CIOs and IT Leaders: Codify a short list of approved, high value use cases that improve writing, meeting capture, and language support. Provide clear guidance on data protection and responsible prompts. Instrument workflows so teams can see where AI saves time.
- HR and Learning: Integrate AI into manager training with writing aids for feedback, meeting note templates, and role play prompts for difficult conversations. Track adoption and confidence alongside engagement and performance signals.
- Team Leads and PMOs: Build team norms around shared AI practices, including pre reads, auto summaries, and action item capture. Set expectations for when AI is used and where human review is required.
- Communications and Ops: Offer plain language libraries for common communications, and pair them with AI prompts that help teams tailor tone and clarity by audience.
About the research
This report is based on a survey of 1,005 knowledge workers ages 22-39 years old who are employed or self-employed full-time and currently hold or aspire to hold a leadership position. The survey respondents are based in the U.S.
Learn more about Google Workspace and what AI means for collaboration, communication, and management.
