We study the staggered introduction of a generative AI-based conversational assistant using data from 5,179 customer support agents. Access to the tool increases productivity, as measured by issues resolved per hour, by 14 percent on average, with the greatest impact on novice and low-skilled workers, and minimal impact on experienced and highly skilled workers. We provide suggestive evidence that the AI model disseminates the potentially tacit knowledge of more able workers and helps newer workers move down the experience curve. In addition, we show that AI assistance improves customer sentiment, reduces requests for managerial intervention, and improves employee retention.

Media Coverage

First study to look at AI in the workplace finds it boosts productivity (Axios)

Can AI help customer service reps help customers better? (CBS Moneywatch)

Stanford and MIT study: A.I. boosted worker productivity by 14%—those who use it ‘will replace those who don’t’ (CNBC)

In A Real-World Study, AI Boosts Worker Productivity By 14% (Forbes)