Every year, we provide workplace leaders with insights that benchmark the state of business communication and illuminate emerging trends shaping how we work. Over the past three years, our annual report has become a trusted resource for business leaders and knowledge workers alike. This year, with the rapid rise of AI in the workplace and emerging trends challenging how we view activities, outcomes, and impact, we have expanded the report into an exploration of productivity as well as communication. 

At Grammarly, we’ve long known that effective communication underpins workplace productivity. Today, this belief is even more critical as every business shifts to harness communication––and all workplace tools and practices––as vehicles for business impact rather than mere activity. As such, we’re excited to share this year’s report: The Productivity Shift: From Overwhelm to AI Empowerment.

What is the productivity shift?

This year’s report reflects a major change in the workplace. Productivity is at a breaking point. Despite high levels of activity, businesses are not seeing better results. Employees often feel overwhelmed by fragmented communication and busywork that does not lead to meaningful outcomes. This disconnect reduces focus and creativity in workplaces everywhere.

In The Productivity Shift, we uncover workplace trends prompting every organization to reconsider how they operate, and we spotlight how AI is proving to be a catalyst of transformation. Our findings show that AI connects human skills with the speed and scale needed to succeed in today’s work environment.

Say hello to the AI power user

One of the report’s most compelling insights is the emergence of a new cohort of professionals: AI-fluent power users. These individuals leverage AI to achieve an outsize impact, maximizing their workweeks and becoming productivity powerhouses within their organizations.

Power users save over 80% more time than their colleagues, report higher productivity, and communicate more effectively. However, they make up only 13% of the workforce.

These individuals, who come from a range of backgrounds and roles, have seamlessly integrated AI into their workflows. By understanding their habits and approaches, organizations can identify opportunities to scale their success and empower the broader workforce. This will enable all employees to harness AI’s full potential and be their best selves at work.

The path ahead for decision-makers

AI adoption is growing, but not everyone is comfortable using these tools yet. Many workers hesitate to embrace AI due to uncertainty, fear of change, or a lack of understanding of how AI can help them. This creates a key opportunity for workplace leaders to address the issues that block effective communication and productivity. They can help change employee mindsets about AI from fear to empowerment.

Our report outlines actionable steps to help organizations move from a culture of performative productivity to one of AI-assisted impact and innovation. It’s not just about adopting new technology—it’s about fostering workplaces where people and AI thrive together.

As you read The Productivity Shift, you’ll discover:

• The key trends driving workplace productivity to the breaking point
• Insights into how AI-fluent professionals are maximizing the workweek with AI
• How to overcome barriers to AI adoption and foster enterprise-wide impact

This is a moment of profound transformation. AI represents not just a technological shift but a productivity revolution.

Download the full report, The Productivity Shift: From Overwhelm to AI Empowerment, to dive deeper into these findings and learn how to embrace a future defined by focus, impact, and thriving workplaces.