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“AI is not just the newest technology tool. It’s really our new team member, and knowing how to craft this partnership is going to be key.” This insight was shared by bestselling author, speaker, consultant, and Forbes contributor Jeanne Meister during  a ������Ƶ Webinar titled “The Human + AI Workforce.” 

Meister shared key insights from the 2025 Generative AI Report: Learning Fuels Human + AI Collaboration alongside Leo Goncalves, ������Ƶ Workforce Solutions Group Vice President. The report covers findings from a 2025 survey of 604 leaders and workers in the U.S. that point to being at a pivotal moment where human potential and AI are beginning to work side by side. 

The survey found that 45% of learning leaders said using GenAI is on the CEO's agenda. However, Meister indicated this focus is most likely through the lens of technical implementation and not much on the human side of AI—an aspect that recent findings from Workday and HP suggest should be more at the forefront.

���� uncovered that 82% of individual contributors crave more human connection, especially as AI automates parts of their job.  also highlights the importance of this as it discovered workers are willing to take a pay cut to work with more empathic and emotionally intelligent leaders.

The Generative AI survey found that 74% of HR and learning leaders are piloting or using AI right now, but it doesn’t stop there.  Increasing the efficiency of the learning operations is one of the top findings. The biggest example is using GenAI to create content faster. Creating a new course that once took months can now be done in days or even hours.

Meister encourages leaders to think beyond improving productivity and efficiency and reflect on how they can reinvent what they’re doing in the learning function. She believes the emotional use cases for AI are what we will see growth in and that it’s important to ask what problems using GenAI can help solve every day in your job.

GenAI is also saving hours in the day. More than 50% of learning leaders surveyed said they save 2-3 hours a day using GenAI in their role.  With this extra time, workers are pursuing more strategic projects, but more importantly, making extra human connections which can enhance overall well-being. Meister emphasizes the importance of this, as poor well-being can cost the organization money and increase personal burnout.

Early on, Goncalves saw workers with lots of questions around ethical use of AI, data privacy, and whether using GenAI was even allowed within their organization. Today, those concerns have shifted to be less about the fear of the technology itself and more about lack of guidance and clarity on how to utilize it. The survey data supports this observation:

• 29% said they are worried about not knowing the AI policies their organization has created for safe use of GenAI
• 25% fear they will lose their job or that their job will be eliminated
• 11% believe they will fall behind in their organization’s productivity measures if they do not use GenAI
• 8% think they lose out on promotions because they are not skilled with GenAI

Meister highlighted that the emotional themes here are what learning leaders need to keep their eyes on to prevent productivity and career development impacts. She stated it’s important to focus on how you can add value to your organization by using AI.

Meister shared she was recently asked what one’s strengths will be in a world where GenAI is universally used and how to differentiate yourself. Meister advised to focus on human skills like critical thinking and relationship building, and to focus on how to differentiate yourself in your organization and from AI.

The survey uncovered that the AI gender gap is evident, with women trailing men in usage and confidence.

• 47% of men are confident in using AI at work versus 39% of women
• 48% of men are willing to learn new skills to work in partnership with AI, versus 39% of women

“This is not optional for women. This is imperative for women to really develop, to have the confidence to develop these skills,” Meister highlighted and went on to recommend that organizations survey their own workforce to understand the impact and recommended exploring mentoring and coaching to address this.

Another important survey finding uncovered that workers want to develop skills to collaborate with GenAI at work. Currently, workers are using GenAI for role playing, reminders to take courses, and receiving AI performance generated reviews. Frontline workers across the board are more interested in and open to using GenAI in the workplace. Meister highlighted that some workers see AI performance generated reviews as a way to eliminate some bias that can happen in the workplace.

The biggest disconnect between how leaders view the benefits of GenAI versus how workers view it is in retention. 30% of learning leaders believe AI will increase retention while only 6% of workers share this.  Goncalves wasn’t surprised by this data as ������Ƶ 2025 Career Optimism Index reported that many workers often feel under supported in their development.

Another important disconnect was found on GenAI’s ability to enhance creativity. 35% of leaders believe GenAI can enhance creativity, but only 19% of workers do. Meister’s advice to learning leaders is to think differently, role model this, and show workers how they can be more creative with GenAI.

Workers are eager to develop new skills and are open to AI, but current support structures have not yet caught up with those needs.

“AI is offering a real new opportunity to change that dynamic, not just by driving efficiency, but to close skills gaps and build a more resilient workforce. We need to be more proactive in equipping the employees with the tools, training and supporting their needs to collaborate with AI more effectively” Goncalves concluded. 

If you missed the webinar or want to revisit the conversation, . Contact ������Ƶ Workforce Solutions for more information.