AI is now woven into the fabric of daily work, with 72 of respondents using it regularly. But the true value of AI is being captured by a smaller subset of companies that go beyond tool deployment to fully redesign workflows, according to a new report from Boston Consulting Group BCG , AI at Work 2025: Momentum Builds, But Gaps Remain , released today.
Strong Adoption, but a Frontline Stall-and a North/South Divide
The third edition of BCGs annual survey, based on responses from over 10,600 workers across 11 countries, reveals that while AI adoption is strong overall, only 51 of frontline employees are regular users-a figure that has stagnated. Meanwhile, the Global South continues to lead in adoption, with India at 92 and the Middle East at 87 as the nations with the highest levels of regular use. Yet these two high-use countries also report the greatest fear about automations impact, far higher than the 41 of all global respondents worried their roles could disappear within the next decade.
Three Key Levers to Boost AI Adoption
Proper Training : Only 36 of employees feel adequately trained in AI use. Those who receive five or more hours of training-especially in person and with coaching-are significantly more likely to become regular users.
Access to the Right Tools : Over half of respondents 54 say they would use AI tools even if not authorized, with GenZ and Millennials especially prone to bypass restrictions. This shadow AI poses rising security risks.
Strong Leadership Support : Just 25 of frontline workers say their leaders provide enough guidance on AI. Where leadership is engaged, adoption and employee optimism are markedly higher.
Workflow Redesign: Where Real Value Emerges