A new study challenges the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) reduces teamwork and social interaction at work. Instead, it shows that people who regularly use AI in their jobs are actually connecting more with their colleagues and spending less time working alone.
The research comes from Gensler, which surveyed 16,400 office workers in 16 different countries. It found that 30% of these workers are "AI Power Users," meaning they use AI often both at work and in their personal lives. These users tend to learn more on the job and build stronger relationships with their teams compared to those who adopted AI later or use it less frequently.
This finding contrasts with earlier studies suggesting that employees consult AI tools more than their coworkers and even engage in small talk with AI bots rather than humans. However, the new data tells a different story. Janet Pogue McLaurin, Gensler’s Global Director of Workplace Research, explained that the most involved AI users are actually more engaged with learning and teamwork.
The report highlights that AI Power Users spend less time alone and more time collaborating virtually and socializing. The likely reason? AI handles repetitive tasks, freeing up time and mental energy for creativity and human connection. This group also prefers coming into the office for better access to technology, with 40% citing it as their main reason—higher than the 29% among late adopters.
Despite their reliance on AI, these power users still value the human side of work. They report more open idea sharing, learning from teammates, and forming meaningful friendships.
The study also points to a growing link between AI use and workplace learning. As more people embrace AI, ongoing learning and skill-building will become even more important. But this calls for creating workspaces that support this kind of growth.
Key factors for a good learning environment include a comfortable design, proper noise levels, flexible meeting room setups, modern technology, and spaces where employees can relax and recharge. Such spaces help workers feel well, support collaboration, and adapt to changes, which can boost innovation and team strength over time.
This fresh look at AI at work suggests it may actually strengthen the way people connect and grow together, not push them apart.