New Delhi: Artificial intelligence is steadily making its way into offices across India, but the human factor still dominates when it comes to tough choices. A new LinkedIn survey highlights this mix of optimism and caution. While 78% of Indian professionals say AI can improve their everyday work life, most continue to rely on intuition and trusted peers for important decisions.
The research, conducted by Censuswide for LinkedIn, surveyed nearly 20,000 professionals worldwide, including thousands in India. It shows a workforce that is experimenting with AI and finding value in day-to-day tasks, but still cautious about handing over judgment to algorithms.
Where AI fits in daily work
Three out of four Indian professionals told LinkedIn that they find AI most useful for writing, drafting and speeding up routine tasks. But when work gets complicated, 73% said they trust their own judgment more than an AI suggestion. Another 76% said colleagues and managers play a big role in helping them decide quickly and confidently.
Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn’s India Senior Managing Editor and Career Expert, put it bluntly: “AI is a brilliant copilot, but it’s not a crutch. It can draft, sort, and surface options at speed, but know that careers still move on the strength of your judgment, your relationships, and your story. In moments that matter, people don’t call a tool, they call a person they trust.”
Pressure to master AI
Even with optimism about AI, many professionals admit to feeling stretched. Around 67% said they are overwhelmed by how quickly they are expected to master AI tools. A further 61% admitted they are not using AI to its full potential. Leaders are raising the bar too, with 73% of companies expecting employees to use AI and 64% of executives planning to include AI proficiency in performance reviews and hiring.
The result is that for 75% of professionals, learning AI feels like a second job. Yet despite the fatigue, most remain hopeful. Nearly four in five say they believe AI will improve their daily work life by taking away repetitive work and giving them more time for human-driven tasks.
Instinct over algorithms
When decisions carry high stakes, instinct still wins. LinkedIn’s research shows that 83% of Indian professionals believe human intuition and advice from peers outweigh AI in making business choices. That reliance on colleagues also reflects in how people are using LinkedIn itself. The platform saw more than 30% growth in comments this year as professionals leaned on each other for perspective.
Teaching themselves for growth
Despite pressure from workplaces, Indians are also showing curiosity and agency in how they learn. Around 81% said they enjoy experimenting with AI and see it as fun. Nearly 79% are teaching themselves using free resources, while 73% are even paying for courses out of pocket. Another 78% said they are actively looking for better tools and content to learn from.
This self-teaching culture reflects a generation that is not waiting for structured training. Many are blending personal exploration with formal resources, seeing AI skills as essential for career growth.
The balance ahead
The survey highlights a clear divide: AI is widely accepted as a productivity tool, but human instincts remain central to decisions that shape careers and companies. As Banerjee reminded, the real advantage comes from using AI to free up time for “the human work only you can do.”