Artificial intelligence technologies have developed a reputation for facilitating flexible work models through AI-powered collaboration and meetings, generative AI tools, virtual assistants, AI-enabled IT support, and more. And while not all employees are convinced that AI will do away with in-person work — since for some industries and roles, this won’t be possible — 62% of employees still say they’d prefer AI-enhanced remote working over working in the office.

What’s more, most employees — including in-office workers — say AI would give them more flexibility and work-life balance (71%), allow them to work anywhere without losing productivity (66%), and help them better serve customers while working remotely (65%). IT leaders are even more likely to report positive impacts, with 9 out of 10 agreeing that AI has improved these outcomes for their employees when they’re remote. Regardless of their working arrangements, nearly all employees (95%) and IT leaders (92%) support their company’s current investment in AI tools or feel their company should be investing more.

“AI is rapidly evolving from a helpful tool to a foundational force shaping the future of work,” said Rich Veldran, CEO of GoTo. “As these technologies mature, they’re breaking down barriers to more flexible ways of working while enhancing in-person collaboration where it’s most impactful. The companies that embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a core part of their employee experience, will be the ones that redefine what it means to be productive, connected, and collaborative wherever work happens.”

Other key findings include:

• IT leaders and employees disagree on whether companies are making the most of AI for dispersed teams: 91% of IT leaders say their company effectively uses AI to support remote and hybrid workers. However, just 53% of these remote and hybrid employees say AI is being used effectively to support them, highlighting a notable disconnect that companies should work to address.   
• AI can enable responsive and scalable IT assistance for distributed teams:  88% of IT leaders say that AI can help ensure equitable access to technology and resources for remote employees. Best-in-class AI-driven solutions enable remote support while staying ahead of the security demands of a distributed workforce. 
• As the role of the physical workplace evolves, businesses need to balance investing in AI versus in-office perks: 61% of employees think organizations should prioritize AI either just as much or more than workplace amenities. The same number (61%) say investing in AI would improve their productivity, motivation, and engagement more than providing fancy office amenities. This was even true for in-office employees, who would benefit most from office perks.  
• Workers of all ages benefit from AI when they’re remote: The vast majority of remote/hybrid Gen Z (90%) and Millennial employees (84%) say AI has improved their productivity while working remotely. In addition, over 7 out of 10 Gen X workers (71%) and Baby Boomers (74%) cite this benefit too, revealing that younger team members aren’t the only ones making the most of these technologies.  

“Our study findings reflect a broader shift in workplace expectations,” said Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence. “Many workers now see flexibility, not location or amenities, as the cornerstone of effective work. AI helps bridge time zones, streamline communication, and provide access to institutional knowledge, making physical offices feel less critical to a growing number of employees.”

GoTo’s research study of AI trends  www.goto.com/pulse-of-work