India's young workforce, comprising Gen Z and millennials, is embracing artificial intelligence with greater confidence and speed than their global peers, according to the latest Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey. The findings highlight a pivotal shift towards AI becoming an integral part of how young professionals learn, work, and make career decisions.
High Confidence in AI Use
The survey reported that a striking 85% of Gen Z respondents and 91% of millennials in India are confident in using AI for their professional roles. These figures place India significantly ahead of global averages, underscoring a robust readiness for AI integration within the country's workforce.
Deepti Sagar, Chief People and Experience Officer at Deloitte India, emphasized the transformative potential. "Gen AI and Agentic have a pivotal role to play across business domains. Equipping the workforce to add their human perspective to artificial intelligence will ensure that everyone can stay ahead of the game," Sagar stated. She also stressed the need for tailored, immersive AI upskilling programs to build practical capabilities relevant to specific job functions.
AI as a Workplace Support System
Beyond traditional productivity enhancements, the survey indicates that AI usage among young Indian workers has expanded into broader workplace support functions. Over 90% of Gen Z and millennials reported using AI for learning and development. Furthermore, many utilize AI for career guidance and managing workplace stress, signaling its versatility.
A significant majority, between 93-95% of respondents, use AI regularly at work, with 93-96% reporting a positive impact on both their professional and personal lives. The demand for AI skilling is also strong: 32% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials have already completed AI training, while 54% of Gen Z and 60% of millennials expressed interest in further AI upskilling opportunities.
However, some challenges remain. Gen Z workers reported more friction (35%) when integrating AI tools into workflows compared to millennials (25%), suggesting potential areas for improved implementation strategies.
Other Key Survey Insights
Despite optimism around technology adoption, the report also revealed persistent financial anxiety among India's younger workforce. About 54% of Gen Z and 44% of millennials have delayed major life decisions due to financial pressures. Unemployment emerged as the top concern for both groups, cited by 27% of Gen Z and 34% of millennials.
The survey also highlighted the increasing importance of purpose-driven workplaces. Nearly all respondents (99% of Gen Z, 98% of millennials) linked purpose to job satisfaction, and a substantial portion (48% of Gen Z, 41% of millennials) would decline employers whose values did not align with their own. Workplace friendships were also noted as significant for retention and wellbeing, with 79-80% considering colleagues as friends and reporting higher happiness levels.