Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into our everyday working lives. Companies, employees and the self-employed now use generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and ChatGPT as a matter of course. But how far-reaching is this change really? And how well are the economy and society prepared for it?

AI on the rise

According to a recent survey by PwC, 45% of companies and 38% of professionals already use generative AI tools in their day-to-day work. Hendrik Reese, Responsible AI Lead at PwC Germany, puts it in a nutshell: “Almost every second company has AI applications in use. But conversely, this also means that the other half are not yet leveraging many efficiency potentials.” Employees report faster task completion and improved quality of results. Freelancers also benefit: A study by Fiverr and Bitkom Research shows that seven out of ten respondents in this sector consider AI tools to be valuable support that increases their productivity. Around 60% use AI tools at least once a month, and almost a quarter (22%) even use them daily.

What remains is human creativity

Despite technological progress, human creativity remains a key asset.Two thirds of freelancers are convinced that artificial intelligence can never replace human creativity.Micha Kaufman, CEO of Fiverr, emphasizes: “Creativity is inherently human.Being creative requires distinctly human qualities such as active listening, detached observation, patience and the ability to strike a balance between experimentation and completion.” AI is therefore not seen as a substitute, but as a complement.

Differences in acceptance and access

Wie stark KI angenommen wird, hängt von Alter und Bildung ab. Laut einer Studie des  Bayerischen Forschungsinstituts für Digitale Transformation (bidt) nutzen 64 Prozent der 18- bis 29-Jährigen generative KI, während es bei den über 65-Jährigen nur etwa 15 Prozent sind. Formal höher Gebildete setzen die Technologie ebenfalls deutlich häufiger ein. Zugleich zeigt sich: Viele Beschäftigte wissen nicht, ob ihr Unternehmen klare Regeln für den KI-Einsatz formuliert hat – ein Drittel nimmt trotz hoher interner Aufmerksamkeit für das Thema keinerlei Leitlinien wahr.

With the widespread use of generative AI, concerns are also growing. In the PwC study, 80 percent of respondents stated that data protection is a major issue.
Just as many report uncertainty or even fear among colleagues.The bidt study adds: although many welcome the EU AI Regulation (AI Act), 64% of the German population have never heard of it.Even among those who are familiar with it, skepticism about its feasibility and effectiveness prevails.

Competencies: Shortage recognized, but not remedied

Despite growing acceptance, many people lack concrete skills in dealing with artificial intelligence.According to PwC, only 28% of professionals have attended further training on the topic.A third attest to their own lack of knowledge.There are also deficits on the corporate side: Only one in six companies has so far offered further training.According to the Stifterverband and McKinsey, 86 percent of companies have so far only made superficial use of the potential of AI.The authors Florian Rampelt and Julia Klier state: “More basic knowledge and application expertise is required to use AI effectively.”

Cooperation and further education as leverage

Greater cooperation between companies and universities is seen as a promising path to success.
According to the Stifterverband, many companies are striving for more intensive cooperation, even if only around 20 percent have systematically used this channel to date. Such partnerships could result in practical training courses and bring strategic knowledge into the company.

At the same time, the Fiverr study identifies four key skills for the future: digital communication, adaptability, IT security awareness and specific AI expertise. Those who build up these skills in a targeted manner will be able to hold their own in the digital job market.

Light and shade in the outlook

Despite the challenges mentioned, many are optimistic about the future.74% of companies expect turnover to grow in 2025. 81% of self-employed people are positive about their order situation.Remarkably, among those who use generative AI at least once a month, as many as 88% rate their order situation as good – compared to 68% of those who rarely or never work with artificial intelligence.

AI requires expertise, clarity and communication

The introduction of generative AI into the world of work is progressing rapidly.
The opportunities for greater efficiency, new ideas and increased productivity are considerable – as are the risks due to a lack of regulations, a lack of further training and a non-existent strategy.
It will be crucial to involve employees, clearly align companies and integrate educational institutions as partners. Those who invest in skills will not only gain technical clout in the long term, but also confidence.

Titelbild © stock.adobe/Romana

Sources:
Bayerisches Forschungsinstitut für Digitale Transformation (bidt) (2024): Verbreitung und Akzeptanz generativer KI in Deutschland.

Fiverr/Bitkom Research (2025): Umfrage unter Selbstständigen und Führungskräften zur Nutzung generativer KI.

PwC Deutschland (2025): Studie zur Nutzung generativer KI-Tools in Unternehmen.

Rampelt, Florian; Klier, Julia; Kirchherr, Julian; Ruppert, Raffael (2025): KI-Kompetenzen in deutschen Unternehmen, Stifterverband/McKinsey.