Gen Z Prefers SMBs That Have Adopted AI
According to the ASUS Future of SMB Report, 65% of small and medium business leaders believe that adopting AI is critical to attracting Gen Z talent. The report indicates that younger workers favor companies that utilize AI-powered tools and offer flexible workflows.
- The same ASUS report found that 66% of SMB leaders believe AI will drive a significant evolution or a generational shift in business practices. - While many SMBs are still in the experimental phase, a QuickBooks survey found that 68% of U.S. small businesses now use AI tools regularly. - The push for AI adoption is tied to growth, with one Salesforce study finding that SMBs experiencing growth are 1.8 times more likely to invest in AI than those that are declining. - Gen Z's preference for AI-enabled workplaces reflects their own usage habits; 57% of Gen Z professionals report using generative AI at work, a higher rate than any other generation. - Despite their high adoption rates, Gen Z's relationship with AI is complex; a Gallup survey found that while 47% use generative AI weekly, 41% also feel anxious about the technology. - There is concern that heavy reliance on AI tools may be undermining the development of essential soft skills, with one study noting that frequent AI users struggle more with teamwork and communication. - To attract this digital-native generation, companies are increasingly using AI in the recruitment process itself, employing AI-powered chatbots to provide instant communication and machine learning to speed up resume screening. - For many SMBs, adopting AI is part of a broader strategy to remain competitive, with 88% of SMB leaders stating they must think and operate like larger enterprises.
