Extra meetings and administrative work: AI does not increase productivity

Artificial intelligence in everyday working life has so far saved employees in Germany significantly less time than expected. This is shown by a recent survey by Indeed of 501 employees who use AI at work. According to the survey, the vast majority of respondents – around three quarters – save a maximum of three hours per week by using corresponding systems. One in six even noticed no difference at all.

The effect is particularly low in companies without clear support and open communication about AI. There, the time gained is also often used for breaks, administrative activities or additional meetings. Almost half of those surveyed believe that the time saved by AI is not used productively in their own company.

Chaos or encouraged use

Many employees see a central cause in the corporate culture: almost two thirds report that the use of AI is neither actively supported nor promoted in their company, and a good one in ten even view it critically. Many teams hardly talk about data protection concerns, fear of losing expertise or holding back their own efficiency gains – in many cases, the prevailing attitude is one of competition rather than exchange.

The picture is different where companies actively create the framework conditions for AI. In this group, employees achieve significantly higher time gains: almost one in five save more than six hours a week – twice as much as the average in the survey. These respondents also make greater use of the additional time for further training or creative projects to increase their productivity.

Frank Hensgens, Head of Indeed Germany, emphasizes that the mere availability of AI tools does not automatically lead to increases in productivity. Without clear rules, transparent communication and the promotion of an open culture, the potential remains untapped. Companies that merely allow AI without integrating it in a targeted manner risk being at a competitive disadvantage in the long term.

The survey was conducted by market research institute Appinio on behalf of Indeed at the beginning of May 2025. Participants were professionals in Germany who already work with AI. The results of the survey are available to iX, but are not yet publicly available.

(fo)