Artificial intelligence is helping younger employees build skills and knowledge faster, with 82 per cent of senior leaders saying AI is accelerating the rise of younger leaders, according to a new study by International Workplace Group (IWG).
The Z-Suite Report highlights how the new Generation is evolving in the boardroom. The report found that 80% of senior leaders believe younger employees are reaching leadership positions earlier than previous generations. Meanwhile, 92% said they would appoint a Gen Z candidate to a senior leadership role.
The findings are based on a survey of 1,000 company leaders in the UK and US, split equally between respondents aged 21-29 and those aged 35 and above.
AI and career growth
For younger employees, AI is becoming a tool for building knowledge and taking on responsibilities earlier in their careers.
Four in five, or 80%, of young leaders said AI gives them knowledge they would previously have needed years of experience to gain. Another 79% said AI tools help them perform tasks beyond their current level of seniority.
The study also found that 95% of respondents aged 21-29 believe they are likely to hold a senior leadership role by the age of 30.
Around 78% said AI has increased their confidence in taking on leadership responsibilities, while 79% said it helps them contribute more strategically. Some 86% believe they are progressing faster than previous generations.
Singapore's Gen Z
The trend is also visible in Singapore. A Deloitte survey published in May 2026 found that 46% of Gen Z respondents in Singapore already hold managerial, supervisory or executive leadership roles.
The survey also found that 81% of Singapore's Gen Z respondents are interested in leadership roles.
AI use among younger workers in Singapore is also high. According to the Deloitte study, 88% of Gen Z respondents use AI in their day-to-day work, compared with a global average of 74%.
About 40% said they plan to continue seeking training as AI develops.
Skills beyond AI
While AI is helping younger employees build skills, the research suggests that career development is not limited to technology.
A Randstad study found that 63% of Gen Z workers in Singapore use AI for work advice. However, 78% still rely on colleagues from different generations to gain broader perspectives at work.
Christian Schmitz, CEO, International Workplace Group said, “The organisations that succeed over the coming years will be those that recognise leadership potential earlier and create environments where talented people can develop quickly. AI is accelerating capability, but businesses also need the right culture, opportunities and leadership to help people reach their full potential.”
He added, “This isn’t simply about promoting younger leaders sooner. It is about giving people the tools, flexibility and support to make better decisions, adapt faster and create more value for customers.”
“The findings reinforce that AI is changing not only how businesses operate, but also how they identify, develop and promote the next generation of leaders,” Schmitz concluded.
The findings suggest that younger employees are combining AI tools with workplace experience and support from colleagues as they take on greater responsibilities.