Study: Generative AI Is Already Delivering Significant Productivity Gains
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. A total of 1,196 office workers from Austrian companies participated in the survey; 1,016 valid data sets were included in the analysis. The State of Lower Austria, the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the Lower Austrian Federation of Industry, and the House of Digitalization are now making the results available to companies in the form of a white paper and disseminating them via their newsletters, media channels, and networks.
“Artificial intelligence has long been part of our working world. It is crucial that we use its capabilities responsibly and in a way that provides clear added value for people and our businesses. The study shows that generative AI can already make work processes more efficient today. With this white paper, we are bringing these findings directly to businesses in Lower Austria,” emphasizes Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
Up to 20 percent time savings—and plenty more potential
About one-fifth of the GenAI users surveyed are already achieving weekly time savings of 10 to 20 percent of their working hours. At the same time, nearly 70 percent of users have less than one year of GenAI experience, and fewer than 30 percent use the technology daily. What’s particularly noteworthy is that rapid efficiency gains are possible even with limited experience.
“Generative AI is already making a measurable contribution to productivity today. At the same time, many employees are still at the beginning of the learning curve. That is precisely where the enormous potential lies: Those who try out GenAI in their day-to-day work and experience initial successes can very quickly realize concrete benefits,” explains Michael Bartz, professor at IMC Krems and research project leader for the study.
The time saved is primarily reinvested in work: 64 percent respond more quickly to inquiries or deliver results faster, 63 percent complete more tasks per day, and 54 percent invest the time in higher-value activities. The most common areas of application include improving and summarizing texts, research, translations, and structuring knowledge.
“What matters to our businesses is tangible benefit. When routine tasks are completed more quickly, freeing up more time for customers, new ideas, or more challenging tasks, AI becomes a competitive advantage. The white paper shows where companies can take a practical approach,” said Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
Leadership, Secure Tools, and Clear Rules
The study also makes it clear that successful AI adoption is not merely a technical issue. Leaders and internal role models play a central role. Equally important are approved tools and clear rules: Without suitable corporate solutions, there is a greater risk that employees will resort to personal or unauthorized applications.
“Productivity is a key factor in the competitiveness of our industrial region. Generative AI offers great opportunities in this regard. This requires clear guidelines, secure applications, and leaders who actively shape the transformation,” explains Karl Ochsner, President of the Lower Austrian Federation of Industry.
White Paper, Digital Austria, and Workshops for Businesses
Through the joint distribution of the white paper, the State of Lower Austria, the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Austrian Industries, and the House of Digitalization aim to raise awareness and make it easier for businesses to get started. The initiative complements the House of Digitalization’s participation in Digital Austria’s economic platform, thereby strengthening the skills initiative focused on digitalization and artificial intelligence.
“With the white paper, we’re raising awareness; with our workshops, we’re putting the topic into practical application. Companies should be able to try out AI for themselves and immediately experience where it adds value in their day-to-day work. Networking through Digital Austria further reinforces this skills initiative,” emphasize Lukas Reutterer and Claus Zeppelzauer, managing directors of the House of Digitalization.
About the study
The study “GenAI Productivity in the Workplace” was carried out by the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems. The research project is led by Professor Michael Bartz; other authors include Doris Berger-Grabner, Denise Kleiss and Ruben Ruiz Torrubiano. Source of the study findings: IMC Krems. Executives and HR managers can register for the AI Leadership Network directly with Prof. Bartz: michael.bartz@imc.ac.at