AI is transforming the workplace, redefining productivity and personalisation. Across Asia-Pacific, governments — such as Singapore’s — are taking a systematic approach to maximising AI’s benefits while managing its risks. Business leaders, too, see AI as a key driver of workplace evolution. A 2024 Microsoft and LinkedIn study found that 75% of knowledge workers already use AI at work, and 69% believe AI fluency is crucial for career growth.
As AI adoption accelerates, leaders must focus on enhancing employee experiences to bridge the gap between business growth and workforce satisfaction. HP’s global Work Relationship Index showed that only 28% of knowledge workers have a healthy relationship with work, while two-thirds want more personalised experiences and access to preferred technologies.
With AI becoming increasingly integrated into our lives, its influence on the future of work will become more evident. By 2025, we can expect several of these changes to take shape.
AI as a personalised experience
A personalised experience is one where people have the freedom to do deep work, drive growth, and feel more fulfilled by doing what matters most. At least two-thirds of knowledge workers want more personalised work experiences, with 87% willing to give up a portion of their salary to have that.
AI makes work personal by enabling workers to get things done in ways that reflect their preferences and workflows. With tools available through solutions like Microsoft Copilot, people can interact with AI using natural language and receive helpful responses and actions. With generative AI, users can analyse personal files and receive refined responses tailored to their needs. Companies can communicate across languages in real time, which wasn’t previously possible, unlocking new global markets and opportunities.
According to a 2024 UiPath survey, 42% of Singaporean workers reported saving more than 10 hours a week using AI, giving them more time for creative and personal pursuits. By enhancing both productivity and employee wellness, personalised AI experiences help companies improve their brand, output, and ultimately, their bottom line.
Creation, connection and engagement processes accelerated
AI bridges the gap between imagination and creation, empowering deeper connections and richer engagement among teams. Consider data scientists striving to build AI models — they often face significant obstacles. Fragmented tools complicate the development process, forcing teams to work across disconnected environments, which hampers collaboration.
Today, AI developers can access the tools and frameworks they need in one centralised platform. They can launch shared projects in minutes, connect to data sets, and invite collaborators with just a few clicks. This unified approach allows teams to work together from a single interface, simplifying model creation and increasing flexibility.
Anticipating a bright future
While AI offers many benefits to the workforce, it does come at a cost. Generative AI searches consume significantly more energy than conventional searches, and the industry is projected to use as much energy as a country the size of the Netherlands by 2027. However, these costs must be weighed against the efficiency gains and the opportunity to reassign staff to higher-value tasks.
To help reduce energy consumption, organisations can consider devices that shift AI workloads from the cloud to local, on-device processing, using NPUs optimised for specific tasks. These devices often include intelligent power management tools that dynamically adjust power usage based on user behaviour to maximise efficiency.
Looking ahead, such AI-powered devices will continue to play a role in enabling more energy-efficient technologies and smarter resource management. These developments can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining strong levels of performance, productivity, and security.
Embracing AI for a smarter future
AI is no longer just a technological advancement; it is reshaping the future of work. As governments and businesses invest in AI, its potential to enhance productivity, personalise experiences, and support employee wellbeing is clear. From enabling more tailored work environments to streamlining collaboration and creativity, AI is helping foster stronger connections and accelerate business growth. At the same time, organisations must remain aware of AI’s environmental impact and pursue more sustainable solutions.
The future of work powered by AI is one where efficiency meets fulfilment — where work becomes not only more productive but also more meaningful. By embracing AI’s potential responsibly, businesses can create a workplace that supports employees, enables growth, and delivers greater satisfaction for all.
