Rethinking CFO Expectations on the Impact of AI
The Reality of AI Impact on Workforce Productivity
Introduction to AI and Productivity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the topic of much excitement and investment in recent years. However, a recent survey conducted by Gartner indicates that AI’s impact on workforce productivity has not met the high expectations that many had hoped for. During the Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference 2025 in Sydney, Randeep Rathindran, a distinguished vice president at Gartner, shared insights into the mixed results of AI integration into various workplace settings.
Survey Findings on AI Productivity
Gartner’s survey involved 724 professionals from different sectors and was conducted between June and August 2024. The results revealed a mixed picture:
- Traditional AI Users: Only 37% of teams using traditional AI reported significant gains in productivity.
- Generative AI Users: A mere 34% of teams leveraging generative AI experienced similar benefits.
These findings highlight that, at this stage, AI’s effect on productivity is similar to that of other emerging technologies rather than being a groundbreaking game-changer.
Varied Industry Impact
Despite the potential for improvement, the benefits of AI have been inconsistent across various sectors. For instance:
- Call Centers: Some departments, particularly call centers, have seen measurable productivity improvements.
- Marketing Teams: Marketing functions reported the strongest productivity boosts from AI integration.
- Legal and HR Departments: In contrast, those in legal and human resources reported very little gain, pointing to the uneven distribution of AI benefits depending on the area of application.
Challenges in AI Implementation
The Gartner survey results act as a wake-up call for business leaders who anticipate that AI will seamlessly streamline operations or significantly cut labor costs. Some of the challenges contributing to these less-than-expected outcomes include:
- Implementation Delays: Projects may take longer to roll out than initially planned.
- Inflated Expectations: Companies sometimes overestimate the immediate benefits of AI integration.
- Measuring Performance: Quantifying the actual productivity improvements remains complex.
Recommendations for Business Leaders
In light of these findings, Rathindran urged CFOs and other finance leaders to reassess their expectations regarding AI’s influence on productivity and workforce management. Some key suggestions include:
- Reassess Expectations: CFOs should adjust how they perceive the impact of AI on workflow optimization and labor force reduction.
- Focus on Internal Conditions: Rather than expecting immediate cost savings, companies should work on creating the right environment for AI to thrive, which includes:
- Eliminating workflow bottlenecks
- Rethinking team structures
- Shifting focus from manual tasks to higher-value activities
Gartner’s research advocates for a mindset that embraces experimentation and learning. Teams that see AI as a tool to enhance their work rather than a threat to their jobs are likely to benefit more from its adoption.
Strategic Guidance for Finance Leaders
Gartner offers actionable guidance for CFOs, emphasizing the need to challenge conventional assumptions related to AI business cases. Key strategies include:
- Expectations Management: Be wary of predictions concerning short-term productivity boosts or workforce reductions.
- Foster a Culture of Exploration: Creating an environment that encourages trial and error can lead to more significant returns on AI investments.
- Educate the C-Suite: It’s crucial to raise awareness about organizational practices that can either help or hinder the effective implementation of AI.
As AI and its generative forms continue to evolve, their transformative potential is still evident. However, organizations are advised to stay grounded in reality and focus on the elements that truly enhance productivity and overall performance.
