A recent report by Pipedrive, a leading intelligent revenue platform for small businesses, reveals a strong connection between the use of AI and automation tools and increased workplace happiness and productivity.
The findings indicate that employees who utilise these technologies experience better work-life balance and improved job satisfaction, with a significant majority expressing optimism about AI’s role in their future careers.
As AI adoption continues to accelerate, with 35 percent of workers already using AI tools—on par with the use of more established technologies like email marketing automation—its impact is becoming increasingly evident.
Smaller companies are leading the way in AI integration, with 42 percent of firms with up to 10 employees adopting these tools, compared to 37 percent of companies with 11-100 employees and 23 percent of those with over 100 employees.
Higher levels of happiness
The report highlights that workers who use automation tools report higher levels of happiness. On a 5-point scale, those utilising automation tools rated their workplace happiness at 3.8, compared to 3.5 for those who do not. Similarly, employees who use CRM software also reported a higher happiness score of 3.8, versus 3.6 among those who don’t.
Moreover, automation appears to positively impact business outcomes. A striking 82 percent of workers who enjoy the tools they use consistently meet their sales KPIs, compared to 62 percent of those who are less satisfied with their technology.
The report also reveals a broadly positive outlook on AI’s influence on future professional life, with 76 percent of respondents expressing optimism. Despite concerns about potential team reductions due to AI—voiced by only 8 percent of respondents—the majority believe that AI will have limited influence in areas requiring human touch, such as building customer relationships (59%), selling (34%), and team management (33%).
Flexible working arrangements have also proven to enhance both employee well-being and productivity. Among respondents, 78 percent reported that their workplaces offer remote work options, and 72 percent provide flexible working hours. Of those, 68% indicated an improvement in mental well-being following the implementation of these flexible models, with women reporting a particularly strong impact (74% vs. 66% for men). Additionally, 77 percent noted that this flexibility has boosted their performance.
A happiness enhancer
Pipedrive’s CEO, Dominic Allon, commented on the findings: “AI is clearly more than just a productivity booster; it’s a happiness enhancer. The positive correlation between automation tools and the ability to meet KPIs underscores the importance of selecting the right technology. As businesses face tighter budgets, understanding employee sentiment toward their tools is crucial for making smart investments.”
The report underscores the significant role that AI and flexible working arrangements play in shaping a more satisfied and productive workforce, signalling important considerations for businesses navigating the evolving workplace landscape.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
