New research also reveals time to rework AI output is hampering productivity
Employees in Singapore are reporting productivity gains from using artificial intelligence tools, but noted that the need to rework output is offsetting the some of the time they save from utilising the technology.
This is according to new research from Workday, which surveyed 3,200 full-time employees globally, including 164 respondents in Singapore.
All respondents in Singapore said their organisations have adopted AI tools, with 86% revealing that the technology is deployed for three or more use cases.
Net productivity gains are positive, with seven in 10 respondents noting that they are more productive today compared to pre-AI adoption levels.
One of the top benefits from AI includes time-saving gains, according to the findings.
Most respondents said the time saved from AI was reinvested in employee development, upskilling, or training (78%), as well as on higher-value, strategic, or innovative work (68%).
Rework layer slows productivity
However, approximately half of respondents in Singapore noted that they spend at least an hour each week to clarify, correct, or even rewrite AI-generated outputs.
Some 12% of the respondents said they spend between two to four hours a week on rework alone.
These findings are similar to the "hidden aftermath layer" pointed out by previous research from Connext Global.
In the report, 42% of AI users said they still need to edit or fix the output produced by AI before sending or using it at work.
This layer takes about the same time as doing the work manually, according to 46% of the respondents. Another 11% said it takes more time than that.
"In other words, 57% report that once correction is required, the time advantage can disappear, reshaping ROI for everyday tasks," the report read.
In Singapore, this burden of rework is left at mid-managerial levels, according to the Workday report.
Managers and directors are most likely to shoulder the responsibility of validating, refining, and approving work, including AI-assisted output.
This adds to the growing performance expectations on employees amid AI adoption, where around 60% said they are not expected to deliver a higher volume of output compared to the pre-AI era.
What can employers do?
Reinvesting AI gains in employees remains the strongest suggestion to addressing the productivity barriers to AI adoption, according to Workday.
More than half of the respondents (68%) also agreed that companies that reinvest in their people will be more competitive and resilient over the long term.
Jess O'Reilly, general manager, ASEAN, Workday, said reinvesting AI-driven gains into people is critical to improving outcomes and sustaining long-term value creation.
"AI can improve efficiency, but speed alone does not unlock real value," O'Reilly said in a statement.
"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."
