BUSINESS

AI at Work: Why the Hype Isn't Paying Off

USAMon Aug 25 2025

AI has been the talk of the town for years, but a recent study reveals a harsh truth: most companies aren't seeing any real benefits from it.

Key Findings

  • 95% of businesses report zero return on investment from AI tools.
  • Only 5% of firms have reported any return on their AI investment.
  • Technology and media and telecom sectors show significant changes based on AI use.

Reasons for AI's Shortfall

  1. Only 5% of tools designed for specific company needs reach production.
  2. Generalist AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot fail to generate significant increases in key metrics.

Additional Divides in AI Use

  • More than 80% of organizations have tested or piloted AI apps.
  • Startups, small companies, and midmarket businesses are the fastest in transitioning to AI.
  • General AI bots help increase individual employee productivity but gains plateau quickly.

Recommendations for Employers

  1. Build their own AI platforms based on particular business needs.
  2. Allow managers and team leaders to decide the best ways of deploying apps.
  3. Base evolving AI deployment on where it is creating the most profitable gains.

questions

    Could the 'GenAI Divide' be a manufactured divide to create a market for more expensive, supposedly superior AI solutions?
    Are the limitations of AI tools a result of a hidden agenda to ensure that human oversight remains necessary?
    If AI tools are like science projects, does that mean we need a report card to grade their performance?

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