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A new report based on the experiences of 700 global employees at Avanade reveals the workplace impact of Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 (Copilot for M365) on employee experiences.

As pioneers in the adoption of Copilot for M365, the seven-week study at Avanade involved the biggest pilot group for Copilot for M365 undertaken during the Early Access Program. The study investigated the impact of the generative AI tool on six human metrics in the workplace: communication, creativity, trust, work satisfaction, belongingness, and organisational citizenship behaviour. Overall findings revealed increased structured creativity, idea sharing and problem solving, but limited improvements to spontaneously generated or original thinking.

Communication

Before the study began, 72% of employees felt more cautious about their communications in anticipation of Copilot for M365 being used to transcribe meetings. However, after six weeks of usage, 45% of employees felt less cautious about their communications, representing a significant shift towards more open communication as familiarity with the tool increased.

Creativity and Innovation

Avanade’s overall creativity and innovation score increased by 2% to 82% since last year. Approval for embracing new ways of working increased from 80% to 89%, but preference for tasks that required original thinking saw a slight decline.

Trust

Almost nine in ten (88%) perceived Copilot for M365 to align with corporate values and over half (65%) said it aligned with individual personal values. Copilot for M365’s assistance with tasks was well-regarded, with a 75% satisfaction score. However, the average ratings for the tool’s transparency (78%) and accountability (65%) reflect the importance of understanding of the tool’s decision-making process and implementing robust governance.

Work satisfaction

Following the introduction of Copilot for M365, 85% of people said they felt a sense of accomplishment from their work. 80% of people said they remained engaged with tasks, indicating that Copilot for M365 integrated into daily routines without reducing the stimulating aspects of work.

Belongingness

Generally, levels of team cohesion were sustained following the introduction of Copilot for M365. 85% reported that the sense of camaraderie and support from team members remained steady throughout the study. However, average belongingness and team collaboration score decreased by 2%, suggesting room for further consideration and improvement.

Organizational citizenship behaviour

Technological adaptability increased to 86%, indicating that the tool may facilitate or encourage technical skills and adaptation to new tools. Altruism and courtesy remained stable at 88%, suggesting that Copilot for M365 did not detract from the collaborative and helpful spirit of the organization.

Commenting on the findings, Bhavya Kapoor, Growth Markets Area President, Avanade, said: “Generative AI, like Copilot for M365, is undeniably the next wave of computing in Southeast Asia, fundamentally reshaping the future of work. To fully maximize the benefits of AI, it’s crucial for employees not only to become proficient with these technologies, but also to develop trust and confidence in using them. As we integrate AI into broader business strategies, it’s essential to focus on a human-centred AI approach. By redefining current job roles and establishing a robust digital ethics framework, we can create a future where technology and people work in harmony to drive business success.”

Veit Siegenheim, Global Future of Work Lead, Avanade concluded: “Tools like Copilot for M365 are ushering an era of transformational change in the workplace. This study demonstrates that finding the balance between augmenting work life without compromising the quality of employee engagement and support networks is crucial for a workplace culture in which generative AI supports the pursuit of professional growth and satisfaction. This will be even more important in the next phase of AI deployment, where we see value being unlocked by companies strategically integrating generative AI into broader transformation initiatives across all functions, fundamentally transforming how the entire enterprise operates.”

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