New Microsoft Report Explores the State of AI at Work in NYC

Microsoft today released its 2025 Work Trend Index, a global survey of how knowledge workers use and plan for AI in their workplace.

Included in this year's study is an oversample of New York City business leaders and workers. The study reveals how AI, with its ability to reason and solve problems, is rewriting the rules of business and transforming knowledge work as we know it.

AI in the workplace is creating a seismic shift for NYC businesses, as 88% say 2025 will be a pivotal year to upskill employees and integrate AI into their operations.

On average, employees are interrupted 275 times per day by a meeting, email, or chat--once every two minutes during working hours. As both leaders and employees are maxed out and business demands continue to rise, many see AI agents as the way forward.
Key findings:

• 83% of New York City leaders say they’re confident they’ll use AI agents, or digital personal assistants, to expand workforce capacity in the next 12-18 months.
• 78% of the workforce, both employees and leaders, say they lack enough time or energy to do their work.
• 42% of employees report that the number one reason they turn to AI over a colleague is because it’s available 24/7.
• 49% of leaders report that upskilling their employees is their top priority in the next 12-18 months.

To read the full report, click here.