New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): India is at the forefront of global GenAI adoption, with 92 percent of employees actively using generative AI tools—far exceeding the global average of 72 percent—according to a new report released by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on Thursday.
Titled ‘AI at Work 2025: Momentum Builds, But Gaps Remain’, the third edition of BCG’s annual survey is based on responses from over 10,600 employees across 11 countries. The report highlights that while generative AI has become an integral part of everyday work globally, its benefits are being fully realized only by a select group of organizations that have gone beyond basic deployment and restructured their workflows around the technology.
Despite widespread adoption, the report found that only 51 percent of frontline employees globally are regular users of AI tools—a figure that has not improved since the previous year. In contrast, India and the Middle East lead the adoption curve, with 92 percent and 87 percent of employees, respectively, using AI tools regularly.
However, this enthusiasm is accompanied by significant anxiety. Nearly half (48 percent) of Indian employees fear their jobs may be displaced by automation within the next decade. This concern is notably higher than the global average of 41 percent.
“India ranks among the top three countries globally in integrating AI agents into workflows, with 17 percent of employees already using them,” said Nipun Kalra, Managing Director and Senior Partner, and India Leader at BCG X. “However, this rapid adoption comes with challenges—only one-third of the Indian workforce feels adequately trained to unlock AI’s full potential.”
Kalra emphasized the need for Indian companies to focus on structured training programs, personalized coaching, and leadership development to ensure AI is implemented inclusively and effectively. “Moving from early adoption to business impact requires a deeper investment in people, not just tools,” he added.
The report outlines three major levers for driving GenAI success:
– Proper Training: Just 36 percent of employees globally feel well-trained in AI. Those receiving five or more hours of AI training—especially in-person and with expert coaching—are significantly more likely to use AI tools regularly.
– Access to the Right Tools: A growing number of workers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, report using AI tools even when not authorized to do so. This shadow usage, driven by limited access, poses increasing cybersecurity risks.
– Strong Leadership Support: Only 25 percent of frontline employees feel their leaders are guiding them effectively on AI. In companies where leadership is engaged and supportive, AI adoption and optimism about its potential are considerably higher.
“Companies cannot simply roll out GenAI tools and expect transformation,” said Sylvain Duranton, Global Leader of BCG X and co-author of the report. “The real returns come when businesses upskill their workforce, redesign how work is performed, and ensure leadership alignment with their AI strategy.”
As India continues to lead in GenAI enthusiasm and implementation, the report calls for a balanced approach to foster responsible growth, protect jobs, and empower employees for the future of work. (ANI)
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