Generic artificial intelligence (AI) tools are no longer enough for young professionals: 92% of emerging leaders want AI systems that adapt to their individual preferences and work contexts.
The findings, released Thursday from Google Workspace’s second-annual Young Leaders survey, paint a portrait of a generation that refuses to accept one-size-fits-all solutions. The Harris Poll study surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. knowledge workers aged 22 to 39 who currently hold or aspire to leadership positions.
“The era of one-size-fits-all AI is over,” said Yulie Kwon Kim, vice president of product at Google Workspace. “Our research shows that personalized AI is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s the baseline expectation for rising leaders who rely on AI at work.”
“Young leaders see AI as more than just a tool — they’re leaning on it as a helpful collaborator and a trusted thought partner,” Kwon Kim added. She said the next generation’s message is personalized AI systems that center user needs will define the technology’s future.
Research reveals personalization drives both adoption and results. Nine in 10 respondents said they would increase their AI use if systems could tailor responses to their writing style, organizational brand guidelines, and relevant work context like emails and meeting notes. The same percentage cited time savings as a key benefit, while 88% pointed to improved productivity.
Perhaps most striking is AI’s impact on mobile communication. In today’s hybrid work environment, 89% of young leaders say they would feel more comfortable drafting lengthy emails from their phones if AI could accurately capture their tone and incorporate relevant context.
But this generation isn’t content to simply use AI. The survey found 77% of young leaders describe themselves as “active designers” of their AI workflows, with 85% expressing confidence in their ability to customize AI systems. One-third reported using AI agents for both personal and professional tasks, with 88% of those users viewing the technology as collaborative partners rather than simple tools.
The relationship between young leaders and AI extends beyond productivity: 92% report AI boosted their confidence in professional skills, while 91% say it has enabled them to contribute above their role’s typical requirements. An equal percentage view AI literacy as critical for the future of work.
Young professionals are turning to AI as a multifaceted career development resource. Some 70% use it for professional growth, including 72% who have posed questions to AI they felt uncomfortable asking colleagues or managers. Another 71% have sought AI advice for important workplace conversations, and 69% have used it to prepare for career transitions or interviews.
The technology also serves practical functions: 62% regularly use AI as a proofreader before sharing presentations or proposals, while 92% of those using AI as a thought partner find it valuable for challenging their ideas and receiving feedback.
