AI at work: how business leaders can leverage AI

AI is reshaping the workplace as we know it. Just like the introduction of PCs and the internet decades ago, AI is marking a turning point in how businesses operate. We’re at the tipping point of a technological revolution. For some businesses, adopting AI at scale may not be the best fit or necessary. Instead, leaders need to consider thoughtfully how much AI is needed, where it should be implemented, and in what order to maximize its benefits.

Here’s the reality every leader needs to face in 2025 and beyond: AI isn’t just a productivity booster. It’s a redefiner of work, unlocking creativity, driving innovation, and giving both employees and businesses an unparalleled edge. But, as history has shown, transitioning from experimentation to full adoption can be daunting. Leaders must act decisively to ensure their organisations don’t just keep up, but surge ahead.

Whether you’re ready or not, the question isn’t if AI will transform your business—but how.

The data is clear: AI adoption is exploding

AI’s presence in the workplace is growing at a remarkable pace. According to research from Microsoft and LinkedIn, 75% of global knowledge workers are already using AI, with nearly half adopting it in just the past six months. The tremendous uptake reflects the demand for tools that help employees overwhelmed by increasing workloads.

However, while employees are quick to adapt, leadership adoption has not been as swift. Despite the fact that 79% of leaders agree AI is a business necessity to remain competitive, 60% of leaders worry they don’t have a clear AI strategy in place. Coupled with pressure to deliver immediate ROI, many organisations are stalled in their AI journeys.

Leaders need to overcome this inertia and look to AI not as a short-term fix but as a long-term transformation tool. Businesses that implement AI across strategic processes will drive growth, manage costs, and deliver greater value to customers. The data speaks for itself.

Employees are leading the charge

When businesses hesitate, employees act. Research shows that 78% of employees are bringing their own AI tools to work, a trend particularly prevalent in SMEs. Employees report using AI to save time, focus on critical tasks, and boost creativity in ways once unimaginable.

But this bottom-up innovation isn’t without risks. Without clear guidelines or a company-backed approach, AI use can leave organisations vulnerable to data breaches, compliance failures, and missed opportunities. Leaders have an opportunity to harness this eagerness to create definitive business value by charting a strategic AI adoption plan.

Beyond the buzzwords: how AI transforms work

The real power of AI lies in how it redefines work across industries. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, AI is already driving immense productivity gains. Here’s how AI is creating immediate impact in some key areas of business transformation. In fact Microsoft themselves have reported Copilots early impact by function:

1. AI in Customer Service

One of the most visible applications of AI is within customer service. Automated chatbots leverage AI to resolve customer queries swiftly, improving satisfaction and reducing operational costs. Virtual assistants, powered by large language models, are learning to handle increasingly complex customer interactions.

2. AI in Human Resources

Hiring and retaining talent is made much easier with AI tools. From platforms that identify qualified candidates in seconds, to systems that personalise employee onboarding, AI is helping to solve talent shortages while improving employee engagement.

Most strikingly, 71% of leaders now prioritise hiring candidates with AI skills over those with traditional experience, making AI proficiency one of the most sought-after skills in today’s job market. Employees, eager to future-proof their careers, are actively seeking AI training to remain competitive.

3. AI in Data Analysis

AI enables organisations to do more with their data. Advanced algorithms can process and analyse vast data sets at speeds unreachable by traditional means, uncovering actionable insights for better decision-making. For example, predictive analytics is optimising supply chains around the world, helping businesses reduce waste and maximise efficiency.

4. AI in Marketing

Generative AI is revolutionising how businesses market their products. From personalised ad campaigns to AI-created content, marketing teams are seeing significant ROI using AI tools to engage audiences in innovative ways. AI even identifies consumer trends, allowing businesses to adapt in real time.

The labour market shift

AI is undoubtedly reshaping the labour market. Leaders across industries report shortages in key roles despite fears of automation replacing human workers. Instead of taking jobs away, AI is creating opportunities for talent with the right skills. As the Harvard Business Review suggests ʺAI won’t replace humans — but humans with AI will replace humans without AIʺ.

Early career professionals stand to benefit the most. With 77% of leaders believing AI will enable junior employees to take on greater responsibilities, AI is breaking the proverbial career ceiling. Meanwhile, professionals are skilling up in record numbers, with LinkedIn reporting a 160% increase in AI training among non-technical roles.

Turning AI hesitation into action

While the benefits of AI adoption are clear, moving from experimentation to transformation requires deliberate action. Here’s how business leaders can take the first steps toward integrating AI effectively.

1. Solve a specific problem
   

   Instead of trying to implement AI across the whole organisation at once, begin with one pain point. Whether it’s improving customer service, streamlining recruitment, or boosting creative processes, using AI to solve targeted challenges can showcase quick wins and validate its value to the business.
   For instance, integrating AI chatbots for customer support can immediately enhance service delivery and free employees from repetitive tasks.



2. Engage at every organisational level
   

   AI is not just a leadership tool. It’s a team-wide opportunity. Empower employees across all levels to safely experiment with AI. Many of your future “AI power users” are already using tools independently to innovate their workflows. Support their explorations and create a culture of innovation by offering the infrastructure and guidance they need to thrive safely.



3. Invest in AI training
   

   AI skills are no longer a “bonus”—they’re a must-have. Organisations should invest in continuous training opportunities to ensure employees are equipped with the skills needed to leverage AI effectively. Platforms such as LinkedIn Learning offer accessible courses that can help upskill your workforce. Equally organisations could partner with SoftwareOne for tailored adoption and training programs that align AI’s potential with your business goals.