Workers Want an AI that Aligns to Their Needs: Google

Young professionals expect AI to provide personalized tools that support day-to-day responsibilities and leadership development in the workplace, reports a survey by Google Workspace. The data comes from the second annual Young Leaders survey, conducted by The Harris Poll among over 1,000 knowledge workers ages 22 to 39 who hold, or aspire to hold, management positions.

“AI is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate and how people create value,” writes Rodrigo Stefanini, CEO Latin America, Stefanini Group, on MBN.  “What once seemed like a long-term trend is now a day-to-day reality,” he adds. 

The report shows a strong expectation for personalization in AI tools, with 92% of respondents saying they want outputs aligned with individual writing styles, organizational guidelines, and relevant work materials, such as emails and planning documents. According to the survey, 90% would be more likely to use AI at work if responses were tailored to their own context. Respondents also noted potential operational gains, with most citing benefits for productivity, time savings, and more efficient communication across mobile devices.

Hybrid work patterns appear to reinforce these expectations. Eighty-nine percent of young professionals say they would feel more comfortable sending lengthy messages from their phones if AI could reliably reflect their tone, style, and recent correspondence. Yulie Kwon, Vice President of Product, Google Workspace, says the findings indicate that personalization is becoming the standard for emerging leaders who depend on AI to manage work processes.

With AI personalization, systems can analyze data and user behavior to deliver tailored interactions that improve the customer experience and strengthen engagement, according to IBM. Hyper-personalization represents a more advanced approach driven by technologies such as AI, machine learning, and real-time data analytics. It moves beyond traditional methods by providing experiences that adjust instantly to a user’s preferences, behaviors, and context, creating interactions that feel individually tailored.

The study also shows how young professionals are becoming more active in shaping AI systems. Eighty-five percent say they feel confident personalizing their AI tools, and 77% describe themselves as “active designers” of the workflows that guide those tools. One-third of respondents use AI agents for personal and work tasks, and among those users, 88% view these agents as partners rather than simple automation features. Despite this hands-on approach, 90% want more customization options to further adapt AI to their professional needs.

Beyond productivity, respondents increasingly view AI as a resource for professional growth. Ninety-two percent say AI has increased their confidence in their skills, while 91% believe it helps them contribute at levels beyond their job responsibilities. Young workers also identify AI literacy as a critical requirement for the future of work.

In Mexico, for example, nearly twice as many respondents in 2025 as in 2024 say AI is already shaping how they perform their jobs, according to Randstad's Employer Brand Research 2025. This trend indicates that AI is increasingly shaping daily workflows and potentially redefining how employees experience and perceive work.

“Employers should take advantage of this positive sentiment and communicate the potential benefits that AI can bring to the workplace,” argues the report, highlighting that general perception of AI improved by 4% year over year.

Respondents from the Young Leaders survey say they use AI for idea development, draft review, and career planning. Among those who use AI as a thought partner, 92% say the feedback is valuable. Sixty-two percent routinely run presentations, proposals, or research materials through AI before sharing them with colleagues. Seventy percent engage AI tools for professional development, including asking work-related questions they may be reluctant to pose to a supervisor and preparing for career transitions or key conversations.

Kwon says young workers are shaping the next phase of AI adoption by designing personalized workflows and turning AI into a support system for leadership development. The findings suggest that future workplace tools will center on tailored systems that align technology with individual and organizational needs.