Microsoft conducted research to identify which professions are already experiencing the time-saving benefits of AI. Experts in cybersecurity, product development, sales, tech support, marketing and public relations reported the most time savings daily.
AI at work is a reality today and it already changes the way we spend our working days. AI tools are progressing from a tool that improves efficiency to a tool that can support decision making and creativity. While some professions might see a more gradual impact from implementing AI in their routine, Microsoft research has shown which professions already feel the benefits of AI usage.
AI is making these jobs easier, faster, and better
According to the research, two main things are driving the level of improvement – the type of work people do and the amount of data they use. Jobs that involve lots of data, like analysing customer information, are seeing the biggest improvements from AI. Employees dealing with Cybersecurity, Product Development, Sales, Tech Support, Marketing and Public Relations have been witnessing first how AI enhances their daily tasks, offers opportunities for innovation, reduces repetitive work, and enables more informed and therefore faster decision making.
The graph shows how much time employees in various positions save by using artificial intelligence (perceived time savings). 11 minutes is the threshold at which employees begin to appreciate the value of artificial intelligence.
“Many of our customers in the Adriatic region consistently highlight how AI tools like Copilot are revolutionizing their productivity and helping in team upskilling for more strategic roles. As AI continues to reshape industries, we need to redefine how we think about technology and leverage it to create business value. Despite recognizing it’s significance, many organizations still lack formal AI strategies, leading to employees using personal AI tools that can compromise security and privacy. It is crucial for companies to implement standardized and enterprise ready AI tools and provide comprehensive training to ensure both secure and effective use of AI.” – commented Kalin Dimtchev, General Manager, Microsoft for the Adriatic region.
Kalin Dimtchev, General Manager, Microsoft for the Adriatic region
Cybersecurity, Sales, Business Development, and Marketing & Communications Among Top 5
Today’s growing cyber threats need constant attention and prompt reactions. AI helps by analysing lots of data, spotting patterns, and finding problems in real-time. This lets IT and cybersecurity experts focus on planning and reacting to threats faster. AI can also automate tasks like monitoring threats and handling initial incidents, freeing up experts for more complex investigations and solutions.
For Sales building strong relationships and closing deals are key for success. AI is transforming sales by quickly analysing customer data and personalizing emails. This helps salespeople focus on important tasks and spend more time building relationships with potential clients. Customer service agents use AI to streamline interactions, resolve inquiries more efficiently, and improve overall customer satisfaction. The companies that have implemented AI chatbots say that it efficiently handles routine inquiries, therefore freeing up agents for complex cases.
In Marketing and PR, AI helps find new trends and opportunities by analysing large amounts of data. It can speed up tasks like checking SEO trends, drafting content, doing market research, and planning product launches. AI also shows how stories are received in the media, saving time and letting PR professionals focus on their creative work, ensuring the final product has a human touch.
AI becomes our favourite assistant
By using AI in our workplace, we’re building new skillsets, but also new habits. Work Trend Index Report, a joint report from Microsoft and LinkedIn, has revealed that use of GenAI has doubled in the last year, with three out of four people already using AI at work. Some jobs are seeing great time savings thanks to tools like Microsoft Copilot, with 90% of users reporting this benefit. Microsoft’s research among Copilot users has shown that, when users experience 11 minutes of time savings per day, they start seeing a value from AI and building a habit.
Work Trend Index also underlined the LinkedIn trend, with 142x increase in LinkedIn members globally adding AI skills like ChatGPT and Copilot to their profiles. Over half of young people included in research pointed out that new technologies are vital to their career decisions, which indicates that AI skills and access will be essential for attracting and retaining top talent in the near future.
Using company’s AI tools enhances security
Despite 79% of leaders recognizing AI’s business importance and 66% of them saying they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills, many organizations still lack formal AI strategies, leading to people bringing their own AI tools to work.
Microsoft’s Copilot is transforming productivity across various sectors by enabling professionals to work more efficiently and freeing up time for creative tasks. Copilot for Microsoft 365 leverages the power of large language models, seamlessly integrating with Microsoft 365 data and programs to deliver unparalleled support and innovation.
