In 2023, Microsoft introduced Copilot for Microsoft 365 to reduce digital debt and increase productivity so people can focus on the work that is uniquely human. What everyone wants to know now is: will generative AI really transform work, and how?
New data shows that the productivity gains are real. Microsoft conducted research using a combination of surveys and experiments to deeply understand how Copilot is transforming work—learning with and alongside our customers as we scale. Already, Copilot makes people more productive and creative, and saves time. Early users don’t want to go back to working without it: 77% said they don’t want to give it up.
And this is just the beginning. As use of generative AI at work spreads, the real opportunity is to not only transform personal productivity but lift the capability of the entire organisation. Copilot sets a new baseline—one where every employee gains the skills to write, design, code, analyse data, and more. And it amplifies expertise, taking work from good to exceptional.
Download the report to learn what the first in-depth studies of Copilot at work reveal.
First Look
Across our research, here’s what stood out:
- 70% of Copilot users said they were more productive, and 68% said it improved the quality of their work.
- Overall, users were 29% faster in a series of tasks (searching, writing, and summarising).
- Users were able to get caught up on a missed meeting nearly 4x faster.
- 64% of users said Copilot helps them spend less time processing email.
- 85% of users said Copilot helps them get to a good first draft faster.
- 75% of users said Copilot “saves me time by finding whatever I need in my files.”
- 77% of users said once they used Copilot, they didn’t want to give it up.