A significant shift in how Indian professionals work is underway, with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becoming a regular tool for a majority of employees, according to the latest EY 2025 Work Reimagined Survey. The global study reveals that 62 % of Indian employees use GenAI regularly at work, placing India among the highest adopters worldwide.
The survey, which canvassed 15,000 employees and 1,500 employers across 29 countries, highlights India’s rapid embrace of GenAI technologies. In the Indian context—where 800 employees and 50 employers contributed responses—the trend reflects not just experimentation but everyday integration of AI into core workflows.
According to the report, India also tops EY’s “AI Advantage” index with a score of 53, significantly above the global average of 34. This metric measures the real-world impact of AI on work efficiency by capturing elements such as time saved, tool adoption and employee mindsets.
Employers and employees alike reported tangible benefits from GenAI adoption:
- 90 % of employers and 86 % of employees said AI boosts productivity
- 75 % of employees and 72 % of employers believe GenAI strengthens decision-making.
- A strong majority also credit GenAI with enhancing the quality of work outputs.
- These findings underline a growing confidence in AI’s ability to augment human work and reshape traditional workplace practices.
Beyond adoption numbers, the survey measured a broader concept called “Talent Health”—which accounts for employee sentiment on culture, rewards and skill development. India recorded a Talent Health score of 82, the highest among surveyed regions, suggesting strong employee engagement and workplace satisfaction.
However, the report also raises concerns around AI learning and skills readiness. While both employers and employees agree that upskilling is crucial, actual time spent on GenAI training remains modest. Most workers globally report fewer than 40 hours per year devoted to building AI capabilities, potentially limiting the full productivity gains of AI adoption.
EY experts say the real competitive advantage will come to organisations that pair AI deployment with responsible governance, clear role evolution, and deliberate skill development efforts. “Technology alone isn’t enough,” noted Anurag Malik, Partner and National Leader for People Consulting at EY India. Employers need to align AI adoption with culture, rewards, and learning pathways to sustain engagement and growth.
With GenAI increasingly woven into daily work processes, Indian businesses appear ready to leverage its potential to transform productivity and decision-making. Yet, the survey suggests that maximizing this potential will require ongoing investment in skills, ethical use frameworks and employee support systems to ensure a future-ready workforce.
As GenAI becomes ubiquitous in workplaces, India’s experience may offer a roadmap for other markets balancing rapid AI adoption with sustained talent development and responsible use.
