New findings from a GoTo research study, The Pulse of Work in 2025: Trends, Truths, and the Practicality of AI, reveal that artificial intelligence technologies are powering the new global flexible model, and that over half of employees think AI will eventually make physical offices obsolete in the future.
The study summarises the findings of a survey of 2,500 global employees and IT leaders on AI use and sentiment, conducted in partnership with research firm Workplace Intelligence.
The research sampled an even mix of employees with remote, hybrid, and on-site work arrangements, and an even mix of IT decision-makers whose companies offer these arrangements.
According to the survey, in the UK and Ireland, 46% of employees use AI tools to support them at work, but 17% of employees believe that their productivity has not increased at all, even though they are using AI tools.
Also among the newly released findings: AI has been instrumental in supporting people in today’s “work from anywhere” world, so much so that 51% think AI will eventually do away with working in the office.
Artificial intelligence technologies have developed a reputation for facilitating flexible work models through AI-powered collaboration and meetings, generative AI tools, virtual assistants, AI-enabled IT support, and more. And while not all employees are convinced that AI will do away with in-person work — since for some industries and roles, this won’t be possible — 62% of employees still say they’d prefer AI-enhanced remote working over working in the office.
What’s more, most employees — including in-office workers — say AI would give them more flexibility and work-life balance (71%), allow them to work anywhere without losing productivity (66%), and help them better serve customers while working remotely (65%). IT leaders are even more likely to report positive impacts, with 9 out of 10 agreeing that AI has improved these outcomes for their employees when they’re remote. Regardless of their working arrangements, nearly all employees (95%) and IT leaders (92%) support their company’s current investment in AI tools or feel their company should be investing more.
Rich Veldran, CEO of GoTo (pictured) believes that AI is rapidly evolving from “a helpful tool” to a foundational force shaping the future of work.
“As these technologies mature, they’re breaking down barriers to more flexible ways of working while enhancing in-person collaboration where it’s most impactful. The companies that embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a core part of their employee experience, will be the ones that redefine what it means to be productive, connected, and collaborative wherever work happens.”
“Our study findings reflect a broader shift in workplace expectations,” said Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence.
“Many workers now see flexibility, not location or amenities, as the cornerstone of effective work. AI helps bridge time zones, streamline communication, and provide access to institutional knowledge, making physical offices feel less critical to a growing number of employees.”