AI in the workplace: 61% of US leaders say it’s enhancing work-life balance

Tech.co’s 2025 Impact of Technology on the Workplace Report reveals that AI is transforming work-life balance for business leaders, with 61 per cent reporting an improvement.

To ensure a comprehensive analysis, Tech.co surveyed 1,036 US-based senior executives and workplace managers from companies with at least 10 employees. Participants spanned multiple industries, offering diverse perspectives on workplace trends. The data was gathered through a third-party panel provider in September 2024, ensuring an impartial and statistically significant representation of current business dynamics.

One of the most striking findings is the rapid adoption of AI. While just a year ago, many businesses were sceptical about AI’s impact, 73 per cent of businesses now actively use ChatGPT, with Microsoft Copilot following at 59 per cent.

• 88 per cent of senior leaders agree that technology plays a pivotal role in boosting productivity.
• 44 per cent of businesses report high or very high returns on investment (ROI) from AI initiatives.
• Spending on AI is also increasing, with 9 per cent of businesses investing over $500,000 annually.
• The demand for AI skills has skyrocketed, with 46 per cent of senior leaders now considering AI expertise to be ‘very or extremely important’.

However, AI is not without its challenges. While businesses are integrating AI into operations, 14 per cent admit that AI has made certain roles obsolete, highlighting concerns over job displacement. Yet, rather than replacing workers outright, most businesses report that AI is redefining roles, requiring employees to upskill and adapt.

Remote, hybrid, or back to the office?

Despite ongoing debates about remote work, 46 per cent of businesses have increased the number of in-office days, citing concerns about productivity, collaboration, and cybersecurity. However, senior leaders acknowledge that flexible work arrangements contribute significantly to employee satisfaction and retention:

• 68 per cent of businesses offer hybrid or remote work options.
• 72 per cent of senior leaders have granted exceptions to return-to-office policies.
• 83 per cent of senior leaders feel at least somewhat obligated to respond to work messages while on holiday, raising concerns about burnout.
• 77 per cent of business leaders support a ‘right to disconnect’ law, but many have yet to implement clear policies.

A particularly hot topic is the four-day workweek, with 38 per cent of senior leaders open to considering its implementation, a notable increase from 23 per cent in the previous year. Although only 14 per cent of companies currently operate on a four-day model, the growing interest suggests this could soon become a mainstream discussion.

Cybersecurity: The rising threat landscape

With increased reliance on technology comes heightened cybersecurity risks. According to the report:

• 53 per cent of businesses suffered a data breach due to computer viruses in 2024, up from 22 per cent the previous year.
• 40 per cent of breaches were caused by phishing attacks, which saw a sharp rise from 23 per cent in 2023.
• Alarmingly, only 1.6 per cent of senior leaders could correctly identify key indicators of a phishing attack.
• 35 per cent of companies do not regulate AI chatbot usage, leaving them vulnerable to data leaks.

These figures highlight the urgent need for cybersecurity training, particularly for senior executives who are often prime targets for cyberattacks.