India emerges as a global leader in AI-driven workplace transformation, says EY survey

India has surged ahead in the global race to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) at work, according to the newly released EY 2025 Work Reimagined Survey. The survey, which covers 15,000 employees and 1,500 employers across 29 countries, reveals that India boasts the highest ‘AI Advantage’ score worldwide, a testament to the country’s rapid embrace of generative AI (GenAI) and its transformative impact on productivity, work culture, and employee empowerment.

India’s ‘AI Advantage’ score—a metric developed by EY to quantify the real-world benefits of AI in the workplace—stands at an impressive 53, far surpassing the global average of 34. With 62 percent of Indian employees now using GenAI regularly in their roles, both workers and business leaders are overwhelmingly positive about AI’s impact: 86% of employees and 90% of employers say AI has improved productivity, while around three-quarters believe it enhances decision-making and the quality of output.

The survey highlights India’s robust workplace environment, as reflected in its Talent Health score of 82, the highest among all countries surveyed, and well above the global average of 65. This score encapsulates employee sentiment about workplace culture, rewards, and development opportunities. Notably, 84 percent of Indian employees report feeling trusted and empowered by their organisations, and 86 percent say they feel a strong sense of connection with their teams, according to the EY survey.

Commenting on the findings, Anurag Malik, Partner and National Leader – People Consulting at EY India, noted, “India’s intentional approach to AI adoption is not just boosting productivity, but also reinforcing workforce resilience and wellbeing. Organisations that invest in upskilling, clarify evolving roles, and use technology responsibly are better positioned to build a future-ready workforce.”

While traditional rewards such as bonuses and flexible schedules remain important to Indian employees, employers are placing greater emphasis on AI skill-building resources, reflecting a shift in priorities as the digital landscape evolves. The survey found that 87 percent of employees and 90 percent of employers believe learning new skills is now essential, though actual time spent on AI learning remains limited. Those who do invest more time in upskilling are less likely to consider leaving their organisations, the data shows.

Indian organisations also lead in confidence around the ethical use and governance of AI. More than 90 percent of both employers and employees express trust in the responsible use of AI, including transparency, data privacy, and accountability.