Younger employees are increasingly helping older colleagues navigate artificial intelligence at work, with new research suggesting this reverse mentoring is boosting productivity, improving hybrid collaboration and opening up new career paths.
A study by Mortar Research, commissioned by workspace provider International Workplace Group (IWG), found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Gen Z workers are actively coaching senior staff to use AI tools in the workplace. The knowledge exchange appears to be paying off: 72% of Gen Z respondents said their support has improved team productivity, while 57% noted that by taking on routine AI tasks, senior colleagues have more time for strategic responsibilities.
The findings point to a broader shift in how generational expertise is valued in the workplace. Far from the traditional top-down mentoring model, younger employees are now seen as digital leaders, particularly in fast-developing areas such as generative AI. According to the survey, 77% of directors and senior directors reported that Gen Z input had enhanced their department’s productivity, and 80% said AI-driven innovations introduced by younger staff had created new business opportunities.
Gen Z sees AI as a career accelerator
For many younger employees, AI skills are not just helpful; they’re vital. Four in five (79%) Gen Z respondents said using AI was accelerating their career progression, and 67% expressed concern that lacking such skills could hold them back. Most (92%) estimated they save an hour a day by using AI tools for tasks such as summarising meetings or drafting documents.
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The willingness of Gen Z to share their skills appears to be reshaping internal dynamics. As reverse mentoring becomes more common, managers are also gaining new perspectives. Three-quarters (77%) of senior leaders surveyed said that support from younger staff allowed them to concentrate on higher-value tasks.
Hybrid working enhanced by AI
The research also found that AI is playing a growing role in supporting flexible and hybrid work. Seventy percent of hybrid workers said AI tools made it easier to collaborate with colleagues across locations. Improvements cited include better meeting preparation (46%), easier access to shared insights (36%) and more effective follow-ups (36%).
With many hybrid professionals spending fewer days in the office, AI is helping to reshape how that time is used. Routine administrative work is increasingly automated, allowing employees to focus on collaboration, learning and networking. Key activities during office days now include strategic planning (44%), learning and development (44%), face-to-face teamwork (42%) and informal connection-building (37%).
AI is also seen as enhancing the human side of work. Forty percent of hybrid workers said automation has freed up time to invest in team-building and communication, areas often lost in fully remote environments.
Bridging generations and skills gaps
IWG founder and chief executive Mark Dixon said the findings showed the power of cross-generational collaboration in driving performance and innovation.
“The world of work is evolving rapidly. Advances in technology, particularly in AI, are boosting productivity, opening up new career opportunities and connecting different generations of expertise,” he said. “Younger generations are playing a pivotal role by sharing their digital skills with their colleagues, which enhances performance and uncovers new business opportunities.”
As organisations continue to experiment with hybrid models and integrate AI into core processes, the importance of digital fluency at all levels is growing. Experts suggest that fostering reverse mentoring relationships can be a low-cost, high-impact way to accelerate digital adoption, reduce generational silos and strengthen team cohesion.
The study surveyed 1,007 UK office workers and forms part of a growing body of research showing that Gen Z is redefining expectations of career development, workplace culture and leadership. While older workers bring deep institutional knowledge, younger colleagues are increasingly relied upon to navigate and teach the tools that will shape the next phase of working life.
Enabling younger workers to lead in areas of strength – such as AI fluency – can help retain talent, boost morale and improve business outcomes, observers say. But it also requires rethinking traditional hierarchies, giving space for less experienced employees to influence strategic decisions and ensuring all generations feel valued in the workplace transformation journey.
