AI rework dampening productivity: Workday

Workday, the enterprise AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, released new research on a productivity gap caused by AI use. 

The study, which surveyed 3,200 respondents globally, including in Singapore, found that the need to rework AI outputs is eroding productivity gains for employees. Approximately half of Singapore respondents spend at least an hour each week clarifying, correcting or even rewriting AI-generated outputs, with 12% spending between two to four hours weekly on rework alone.

Despite this, net productivity gains remain positive, with seven in 10 respondents noting they are more productive today compared to pre-AI adoption levels. All respondents indicated that AI tools are already deployed in their organisations, and 86% reported implementing three or more AI use cases. 

Organisations are broadly aligned that AI-driven efficiency gains should benefit employees, Workday noted. Some 68% of respondents agree that companies that reinvest in their people will be more competitive and resilient over the long term.

Among respondents whose organisations reported time savings from AI adoption, 78% said those gains were reinvested in employee development, upskilling or training, while 68% redirected time towards higher-value, strategic or innovative work. Eight in 10 said AI cost savings were reinvested in the workforce – matching the proportion reinvested in technology or infrastructure, and significantly exceeding the share returned to shareholders (23%).

“Reinvesting AI-driven gains into people is critical to improving outcomes and sustaining long-term value creation,” said Jess O’Reilly, GM, ASEAN, Workday. 

“AI can improve efficiency, but speed alone does not unlock real value. What makes the biggest difference is reinvesting those gains into people. Organisations will need to prioritise talent development in the core areas of AI literacy and critical thinking. Building confidence for employees in their use of AI will be pivotal to reducing rework, enhancing business outcomes and delivering lasting value.”  

Employees have reported growing performance expectations. Six in 10 respondents say they are now expected to deliver a significantly higher volume of output compared to before AI adoption.

Findings from the report show that the burden of rework largely sits at mid-managerial levels. Managers and directors are most likely to shoulder the responsibility of validating, refining, and approving work, including AI-assisted output – reflecting their role as quality gatekeepers.

Despite heightened expectations, overall sentiment remains largely positive. Most respondents (75%) say they trust their leadership teams to make fair decisions about AI’s impact on job security and rewards, while only 7% express concern about potential redundancy due to AI. Six in 10 respondents also noted that their stress levels and risk of burnout have decreased since the deployment and adoption of AI tools.

The organisations realising the greatest value from AI treat saved time as a strategic resource. They reinvest in upskilling their teams, improving collaboration, and strengthening judgment-driven work. The biggest opportunity is helping employees learn how to use AI effectively – especially in areas that require judgement, creativity, and decision-making. 

According to Workday, the research makes one thing clear: reinvesting in people is the fastest way to reduce rework, improve outcomes, and turn AI speed into lasting business value.