Young leaders are demanding AI tailored to their needs

The new generation of young leaders is transforming the relationship between work and artificial intelligence, according to recent research from Google Workspace. The study, conducted in collaboration with The Harris Poll, reveals that for those aged 22 to 39, AI personalization is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental requirement.

“The era of generic AI is over,” said Yulie Kwon Kim, Vice President of Product at Google Workspace, to Google Cloud. “Our research shows that personalized AI is no longer a nice-to-have: it’s the basic expectation for emerging leaders who rely on AI in their work.”

The report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 knowledge workers in the United States, highlights that 92% of young leaders want AI to tailor its responses to individual preferences, such as personal writing style or organizational brand guidelines. This demand for personalization is not only a matter of convenience but also has a direct impact on technology adoption and usage: 90% of respondents indicated that they would use AI more in their work environment if the responses were personalized.

The usefulness of personalized AI extends to efficiency and productivity. According to the study, 90% of participants believe that responses tailored to their context would help them save time, while 88% believe it would improve productivity. Furthermore, in a hybrid and mobile work environment, 89% of young leaders would feel more comfortable sending lengthy emails from their phones if AI could accurately reflect their personal tone and style, as well as the relevant context.

The role of young professionals in relation to AI has evolved: they have gone from being passive users to becoming true architects of their own workflows. “Young leaders are writing the AI user manuals for the workplace,” said Kwon Kim of Google Cloud. “Instead of accepting this technology as a one-size-fits-all solution, they are designing personalized workflows and collaborating with AI agents to generate value according to their specific needs.”

Confidence in the ability to personalize AI is high: 85% of respondents feel confident in their ability to adapt AI systems to their needs, and 77% already identify themselves as “active designers” of their own workflows. In addition, 33% use AI agents for both personal and professional tasks, and of those, 88% consider them collaborative partners. The demand for more customizable options continues to grow: 90% of young leaders want more features that allow them to generate tailored content.

AI has also become a key tool for professional development. 92% of participants say that AI has given them greater confidence in their abilities, while 91% believe it has allowed them to contribute beyond the requirements of their job. AI literacy is perceived as an essential skill for the future of work.

In practice, young leaders are using AI as an intellectual partner, proofreader, and career advisor. 92% of those who use it to brainstorm ideas and receive feedback find it valuable. 62% review presentations or proposals with AI before sharing them, and 70% turn to AI for their professional development: 72% have resolved questions they didn't dare ask colleagues or superiors, 71% have received advice for important work conversations, and 69% have used it to prepare for job changes or interviews.

“Young leaders see AI as more than just a tool: they consider it a helpful collaborator and a trusted partner in their professional development,” Kwon Kim of Google Cloud concluded. “The message from the next generation of leaders is clear: AI must be personalized to be truly powerful. The data suggests that the future of AI will be defined by systems that offer more tailored solutions and put the user at the center of everything.”