Why AI without training barely boosts productivity (and how to turn 3% into over 40%)

More and more companies are integrating AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini into their daily operations. However, many find that the results fall short of expectations. A recent study in the Netherlands involving over 25,000 workers has quantified the issue: those using AI without training achieve only a 3% increase in productivity.

What’s going wrong?

AI isn’t magic. It’s a tool. And like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how it’s used. Employees who haven’t received proper AI training tend to:

• Use AI like a search engine, rather than a strategic assistant.

• Miss out on advanced features such as task automation, structured analysis, or reasoning models.

• Hold back on showing efficiency for fear of being assigned more work.

The power of good training

At Brokyl AI Consulting, we see it every day: when a company invests in hands-on training, using real cases tailored to their processes and team, the impact multiplies. The same study shows that with targeted training, productivity gains can reach over 40%.

Here are some of the key levers we focus on:

• Real use cases from the business itself, so each person can clearly see how to apply AI in their daily work.

• Interactive workshops where participants use their own tasks to learn how to work with AI tools.

• Ongoing support to answer questions and fine-tune workflows with help from our experts.

From theory to results: concrete data

In our internal training sessions with clients, the average time saved per employee ranges from 2 to 3 hours a day depending on the role. This not only frees up time, but also improves work quality, reduces errors, and allows teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Conclusion

AI success isn’t about having the best tool, but about knowing how to use it well. Without training, its full potential goes to waste. If you lead a team or organization and are thinking about adopting AI, start with the foundation: train your people.

Want to transform your company with AI?At Brokyl, we design fully customized AI training programs to turn AI into a real productivity driver. Get in touch and discover how to move from 3% to over 40%.