• GoTo study shows: Half of German employees think AI will make physical offices obsolete in the future
• From vision to practice: Why executives should prioritise the productive use of AI in the hybrid working model now.

AI as a strategic factor for the world of work in 2025

The world of work is in a state of flux – and not just since the pandemic. But while companies have responded to home offices, remote models and hybrid structures in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) is now driving the next stage of development. The new study ‘The Pulse of Work in 2025: Trends, Truths, and the Practicality of AI’ by GoTo clearly shows that more than half of German employees (51%) believe that AI will make physical offices redundant in the future.

For managers with a technical background, one thing is clear: it’s not just about convenience, but about fundamental changes in productivity, IT security, infrastructure management and employee retention.

Remote work with AI: from a supplement to a foundation

The results make it clear that AI is no longer just a useful tool for collaboration, but has become a key enabler of flexible working models:

• 64% of employees surveyed report that AI improves their work-life balance,
• 59% say they can work anywhere without losing productivity,
• 58% see advantages in customer service from a remote model.

Particularly noteworthy: 80% of IT executives confirm that AI has already measurably improved work results in the remote environment.

Discrepancy between expectations and reality

A critical point of the study is the perception gap between management and employees:

• 90% of IT executives are convinced that their company uses AI effectively for hybrid teams.
• However, only 49% of employees confirm this effectiveness.

This difference highlights the need to combine investment in AI tools with genuine usability and integration into everyday work. An AI system that looks impressive on PowerPoint slides but fails to overcome everyday hurdles will only increase frustration instead of creating added value.

Security and infrastructure perspective

For decision-makers in the IT and security environment, AI is not just a matter of efficiency, but also a lever for scalability and security:

• 82% of IT executives see AI as key to equal access to technology and resources, regardless of location.
• AI-powered IT support enables responsive, standardised and compliance-compliant support for distributed workforces.

Especially for industries with high regulatory and security requirements, AI offers the opportunity to make remote work safer and more reliable without sacrificing performance.

New priorities: AI instead of foosball tables

The shift in employee expectations is also interesting:

• 55% of employees demand that investments in AI be at least as important as traditional office amenities.
• 46% even see a greater effect on productivity, motivation and engagement than high-quality office equipment.

This is a clear signal to managers: the employee experience is increasingly defined by technology rather than physical space.

Cross-generational benefits

The study also shows that all age groups benefit from AI, albeit to varying degrees:

• Gen Z: 45% see productivity gains through AI-supported remote working.
• Millennials: 52%
• Baby boomers: 48%
• Gen X: only 35%

This makes it clear that companies must develop generation-specific adoption strategies to fully exploit the potential of AI.

Conclusion for managers

The GoTo study makes it clear that AI is becoming the core of the flexible working model. For leaders with a technical background, this results in three key areas of action:

1. Integration before innovation: AI tools must be embedded in existing processes rather than existing as isolated solutions.
2. Adapt security architecture: Remote-first requires a security strategy that not only supports AI but actively uses it.
3. Prioritise change management: There is a gap between expectations (management) and user experience (employees). Only with clear communication and training will AI become a real productivity driver.

Those who take these points to heart will not only ensure productivity, but also the future viability and attractiveness of their company in the competition for talent.