Study: Generative AI Is Already Delivering Significant Productivity Gains
From left to right: Lukas Reutterer (Managing Director, Haus der Digitalisierung); Michael Bartz (Professor at IMC Krems and research project lead for the study); Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner; Kari Ochsner (President, Federation of Austrian Industries – Lower Austria); Wolfgang Ecker (President, Lower Austrian Economic Chamber); Claus Zeppelzauer (Managing Director, Haus der Digitalisierung).
Generative artificial intelligence is already delivering measurable productivity gains in everyday office work. This is demonstrated by the recent study "GenAI Productivity in the Workplace" conducted by IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems. The survey involved 1,196 office workers from Austrian companies, with 1,016 valid datasets included in the analysis. The State of Lower Austria, the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber, the Federation of Austrian Industries (Lower Austria), and the "Haus der Digitalisierung" (House of Digitalization) are now making the findings available to companies in the form of a white paper and are distributing them via their newsletters, media channels, and networks.
"Artificial intelligence has long been part of our working world. What matters is that we harness its potential responsibly and in a way that creates clear added value for people and our businesses. The study shows that generative AI can already make workflows more efficient today. With this white paper, we are bringing these insights directly to companies in Lower Austria," emphasizes Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
Time savings of up to 20 percent – and plenty of untapped potential
Around one-fifth of the GenAI users surveyed are already saving between 10 and 20 percent of their weekly working time. At the same time, nearly 70 percent of users have less than a year of experience with GenAI, and fewer than 30 percent use the technology daily. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that rapid efficiency gains are possible even with limited experience.
"Generative AI is already making a measurable contribution to productivity. Yet, many employees are still at the beginning of the learning curve. That is precisely where the enormous potential lies: those who experiment with GenAI in their daily work and experience early successes can quickly realize tangible benefits," explains Michael Bartz, Professor at IMC Krems and the study’s lead researcher.
The time saved is largely reinvested into work: 64 percent respond to inquiries or deliver results faster, 63 percent complete more tasks per day, and 54 percent invest the time in higher-value activities. Common use cases include improving and summarizing texts, research, translation, and structuring knowledge.
"For our businesses, tangible benefits are what count. When routine tasks are completed faster—freeing up time for customers, new ideas, or more demanding tasks—AI becomes a competitive advantage. The white paper shows where companies can take practical action, and we provide support for implementation through our TIP (Technology and Innovation Partners) network," says Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber.
Leadership, secure tools, and clear rules
The study also highlights that successful AI adoption is not merely a technical issue. Leadership and internal role models play a pivotal role. Approved tools and clear rules are equally important: if suitable corporate solutions are lacking, the risk increases that employees will resort to private or unauthorized applications.
"Productivity is a key factor in the competitiveness of our industrial base. Generative AI offers significant opportunities in this regard. However, this requires clear frameworks, secure applications, and leaders who actively shape this transformation," explains Karl Ochsner, President of the Federation of Austrian Industries (Lower Austria).
White Paper, Digital Austria, and Workshops for Companies
By jointly distributing this white paper, the State of Lower Austria, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Austrian Industries, and the *Haus der Digitalisierung* (House of Digitalization) aim to raise awareness and make it easier for companies to get started. This initiative complements the *Haus der Digitalisierung’s* participation in the Digital Austria business platform, thereby strengthening the drive to build expertise in digitalization and artificial intelligence.
"The white paper raises awareness, while our workshops translate the topic into practical application. We want companies to try out AI themselves and experience firsthand the benefits it brings to their daily work. Networking via Digital Austria further reinforces this initiative to build expertise," emphasize Lukas Reutterer and Claus Zeppelzauer, Managing Directors of the *Haus der Digitalisierung*.
About the Study
The study "GenAI Productivity in the Workplace" was conducted by IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems. The research project lead is Professor Michael Bartz; other authors include Doris Berger-Grabner, Denise Kleiss, and Ruben Ruiz Torrubiano. Source of study results: IMC Krems. Executives and HR managers can register for the AI Leadership Network by contacting Prof. Bartz directly at michael.bartz@imc.ac.at.