Vincent Luciani, CEO and co-founder of Artefact, presented the main insights of The Future of Work with AI survey

On February 7th, as part of the AI Action Summit, Artefact had the pleasure of hosting an exclusive Breakfast Conference at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée. Over 100 participants gathered to discuss the challenges and impacts of AI on the world of work.

On this occasion, Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, French Minister of Labour and Employment, highlighted AI as a strategic asset for businesses and talent in France. Vincent Luciani, CEO & co-founder of Artefact, shared key insights from the “Future of Work with AI” study, conducted with ODOXA among 2,000 French employees on AI adoption and workplace impact and 30 qualitative interviews with key figures in AI transformation. Florence Bénézit, Partner at Artefact moderated a roundtable with Charles Gorintin (Alan), Stanislas Guerini (former minister), Cristel Guillain (Natixis CIB), and Bruno Mettling (Topics) on AI-driven workplace transformation.

AI has been used in companies for years, particularly for predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and anomaly detection. These traditional AI systems have optimized workflows and decision-making processes, improving efficiency rather than directly replacing jobs. Generative AI, however, represents a shift as it becomes accessible to everyone, enabling individuals to experiment and integrate AI into their work without technical expertise.

AI adoption is increasing rapidly, with 12% of employees already using it at work and 83% using it weekly. The study found that 92% of users are satisfied with AI, which on average saves them one hour per day—sometimes up to three hours. Employees use AI for tasks such as document synthesis, research, and content creation, improving both productivity and work quality.

“Organizations must embrace governance, knowledge sharing, and workforce upskilling to maximize AI’s potential while fostering trust and innovation for long-term competitiveness.”

Vincent Luciani, CEO and Co-Founder of Artefact

Contrary to concerns that AI would create isolation, the study highlights that AI has strengthened human interactions. Many employees reinvest their saved time into more collaborative work, improving teamwork and communication. Additionally, AI enables workers to expand their skill sets, making them more versatile and adaptable in their roles.

 

“Paradoxically, AI, instead of distancing us, has brought us closer; it has refocused us on the human.”

Vincent Luciani, CEO and Co-Founder of Artefact

75% of employees feel their scope of responsibilities has expanded due to AI. It allows non-experts to acquire skills faster, offering new career opportunities. AI has the potential to accelerate professional growth, making employees more adaptable and flexible in evolving industries. However, while individuals gain efficiency, companies have yet to fully capitalize on these productivity gains.

For businesses to truly benefit, AI needs to move from being an individual tool to an integrated part of collective workflows. Organizations must redefine how AI is implemented at scale, ensuring it is a collaborative asset rather than just a personal productivity tool.

Companies are beginning to view AI as a collaborator, with AI agents capable of executing complex tasks autonomously. These agents could drastically improve processes, such as reducing loan approval times from one month to one week. However, businesses must carefully manage this transition to ensure AI is used ethically and efficiently.

While AI-driven automation is increasing, it is also creating new job opportunities. AI will require human oversight, particularly in sectors like customer service, IT, and back-office operations. The study shows that companies implementing AI are currently creating more jobs than they are eliminating.

Trust is a major factor in AI adoption. While two-thirds of employees see AI as beneficial, non-users remain skeptical. Companies that foster transparency and educate employees on AI’s role are three times more likely to achieve productivity gains. Implementing safeguards, monitoring AI decisions, and establishing responsible AI governance are crucial for building trust.

AI adoption requires continuous learning. Currently, half of AI users have not received formal training, and many who have been trained found it insufficient. Businesses must focus on both upskilling (learning new AI tools) and reskilling (preparing for role transitions due to automation). Training should be hands-on and embedded in daily work to be effective.

Organizations must rethink how AI fits into their structures. Questions arise about who will supervise AI agents, define their roles, and evaluate their performance. Future workplaces may see AI agents integrated into organizational charts, working alongside human employees. Human resources and social partners will play a key role in facilitating this transition.

Historical examples show that technological advances do not eliminate work but transform it. AI has the potential to democratize innovation, making expertise more widely accessible. While challenges exist, the study suggests that AI will be a tool for learning, collaboration, and enhanced efficiency rather than a replacement for human work.

Opening speech of Mrs Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, Minister of Labour and Employment

Panel discussion on the impact of AI in the workplace and hosted by Florence Bénézit