When we talk about the “future of work,” it’s tempting to focus on AI breakthroughs, productivity apps, and collaboration tools. But the real key to future-proofing your business might be less about the tech itself and more about the people using it, especially your Gen Z employees.
Gen Z isn’t just comfortable with technology; they’re redefining how it’s used. But unless leaders start listening to what they need, they risk creating a workplace where innovation thrives in the shadows instead of out in the open.
According to our new survey, AI in the Workplace, almost half of Gen Z employees are nervous to admit how much of their work is accomplished by AI. They are using it to summarize documents and meeting notes, brainstorm ideas or creative content, analyze data, or create charts and reports, and to code or debug. Yet many hesitate to tell their managers. Why? They’re unsure whether it’s truly accepted or if it will be seen as a shortcut. And they are worried that AI could replace their jobs
To lead confidently, employers must set clear, inclusive policies on acceptable AI tools. With clear guidance, employees can use AI confidently, building trust and increasing productivity and innovation.
Sixty-three percent of Gen Z respondents say they use personal apps and software at work because they know their own tools best. They’re not trying to break rules—they’re trying to get things done. But from a security standpoint, that’s risky.
The bigger issue? Many workplace tools are clunky compared to what they use in their personal lives. In our survey, 65% said personal tech is easier to use, nearly 70% feel overwhelmed by the number of tools they are expected to use, and fewer than 10% of the Gen Z workforce feel they have real influence over tech decisions at work.
When leadership picks tools without employee input, adoption suffers. Gen Z employees who feel excluded are more likely to bypass official systems, undermining both productivity and security.
The best companies treat technology decisions as a two-way conversation, inviting Gen Z to test, evaluate, and refine the tools they’ll actually be using. It’s a simple shift that builds buy-in and trust.
Engage Gen Z early—ask often and listen—using surveys, pilots, and feedback loops to shape decisions. Set clear, inclusive policies on which AI tools are acceptable. Streamline the tech stack to cut platform overload. And balance security with usability by choosing tools that are both safe and intuitive.
Gen Z is telling us exactly what they need to thrive at work. The question is, are we listening? By including Gen Z in the process, we unlock tools that are faster, easier to use, and better aligned with how work actually gets done. And when silence around AI persists, trust erodes, spreading beyond technology itself. Leaders who act now will gain more ideas, more innovation, and a workforce ready for what’s next.
Susan Anable is Cox Phoenix Market Vice President. Photo is courtesy of Cox.
