New global research released by Workday, Inc. (NYSE: WDAY) shows that while artificial intelligence (AI) is delivering measurable productivity gains, many organisations are failing to realise its full business value. Nearly 40% of time saved using AI tools is being lost to rework, including correcting errors, rewriting content, and verifying outputs generated by low-quality or generic AI systems.
The report, titled “Beyond Productivity: Measuring the Real Value of AI,” highlights a growing gap between AI adoption and effective value creation. While 85% of employees report saving between one and seven hours per week using AI, only 14% consistently experience clear net-positive outcomes.
According to the findings, frequent AI users face the greatest pressure. Over 77% of daily AI users say they review AI-generated work as carefully as, or more carefully than, human-generated work. Employees aged 25–34 account for nearly half of those experiencing the highest levels of AI rework, despite being perceived as the most digitally skilled.
The study also points to a disconnect between leadership priorities and employee experience. While 66% of leaders identify skills training as a top priority, only 37% of employees dealing with heavy AI rework say they have access to relevant training. In addition, 89% of organisations have updated fewer than half of their job roles to reflect AI capabilities, forcing employees to use advanced tools within outdated work structures.
Workday’s research suggests organisations achieve stronger returns when AI time savings are reinvested in people. Employees with positive AI outcomes are significantly more likely to spend saved time on higher-value work such as analysis, decision-making, and strategic thinking, and are more likely to have received skills training.
The study is based on a global survey of 3,200 full-time employees across North America, APAC, and EMEA, conducted in November 2025.