Unproductive meetings, siloed knowledge, and lack of engagement are among the biggest challenges of modern teamwork. Especially in times of hybrid work models and growing talent shortages, the importance of effective collaboration becomes increasingly clear. At the same time, generative AI has already found its place in many companies. It automates processes, generates content, and structures knowledge. Yet one central question often remains unanswered: How does generative AI actually change the way teams work together?
A qualitative scientific study conducted by Anna Schätzle, Consultant for Transformation of Work at Campana & Schott and doctoral researcher at TU Darmstadt, offers first solid answers. The findings show that generative AI not only improves individual preparation but also significantly enhances collaboration within teams – provided it is used strategically and with intent. The results highlight the potential of generative AI and the concrete steps companies should now take.
Teamwork in Transition: What AI Really Changes
Generative AI is mainly used where efficiency is key, in software development, marketing, or customer service. It automates routine tasks, creates content, and frees up time for creative or strategic work. But it is becoming increasingly evident: team collaboration also benefits.
Key advantages of using generative AI include:
- Better meeting preparation through automated summaries, idea suggestions, or research
- Greater participation in group work, as information can be processed and understood more quickly
Steeper learning curves, since generative AI simplifies and structures content for easier understanding
A study by Harvard Business School supports this: teams that integrate generative AI into their workflows communicate more clearly and achieve better results. AI acts like an additional team member, supporting preparation, adding ideas, and facilitating decision-making.
Key Insights from the Study
The study analyzed 15 factors that influence the quality of team collaboration – including communication, goal orientation, creativity, conflict resolution, and mutual support. The results are clear: the targeted use of generative AI significantly improves teamwork across nearly all dimensions.
The following section outlines the methodology behind the study:
Methodology
Quantitative analysis on the impact of generative AI on team effectiveness
- Based on Lai et al. (2010) model covering 15 aspects of team effectiveness, with an additional focus on individual preparation for teamwork sessions
- Data collection via questionnaire, based on Mehler et al. (2023)
- Constructs measured using validated literature scales
7-point Likert scale for all items
Data collection:
- Conducted online via the Prolific platform
Average completion time: 6 minutes
Participation criteria:
- Daily use of AI bots
- At least part-time employment
- Working in a team of at least two members
- Employed in the IT industry
Participants and exclusions:
- Total responses: 243
- 42 participants excluded due to incorrect attention-check responses
- Final sample: 201 participants
Age:
- 18–29: 116
- 30–49: 75
- 50+: 10
Gender:
- Female: 91
- Male: 109
- Other: 1
Management level:
- Higher: 115
- Lower: 47
- None: 39
Company size:
- Small (1–49 employees): 52
- Medium (50–249): 69
- Large (250+): 80
Three Particularly Striking Findings from the Study:
- Team support increases significantly.
Colleagues help each other more often, for example, by sharing code suggestions, writing support, or quick research. This effect was especially strong and statistically significant. - Feedback culture improves measurably.
Generative AI helps formulate feedback more clearly, constructively, and with better structure. Employees increasingly use AI-based text analysis and suggestions to express their thoughts more precisely and understandably. Team creativity rises.
In brainstorming and ideation sessions, AI tools provide new impulses, perspectives, and inspiration. Teams using generative AI tend to generate more diverse and innovative ideas.Additional benefits were observed across other areas as well. Employees prepare for meetings in a more structured way, better grasp complex tasks, and make more informed decisions. Internal processes become more efficient, tasks are assigned more purposefully, and goals are more clearly defined. Teams show increased engagement, take more ownership, and interact more respectfully. Conflicts are discussed more objectively, as AI helps present arguments in a clear and concise manner.
There was only one area with no measurable impact: individuals' self-perception. This is likely because emotional intelligence and self-reflection are still difficult to influence through technological tools. So, what do these insights mean for everyday business?
Practical Recommendations for Companies
To unlock the full potential of generative AI, it should not be limited to individual use. Instead, it must be actively integrated into team collaboration. The following measures have proven effective in practice:
→ Define clear roles and rules: Determine how generative AI will be used and who uses which tools. This creates transparency and builds trust.
→ Actively involve employees: Train teams in the use of AI and demonstrate its everyday value. Positive experiences increase acceptance.
→ Deliberately shape team processes: Embed AI into existing workflows – for example, in meeting preparation, idea generation, or task distribution.
Beyond that, it’s crucial to treat generative AI not as a one-time solution but as a continuous process. Technical infrastructure, data protection, and change management must be considered from the outset. Only then can a working culture emerge where people and AI truly collaborate productively.
Conclusion: Those Who Start Now Gain a Real Advantage
The findings are clear: generative AI meaningfully improves team collaboration – from preparation and communication to shared tasks. Companies that proactively embrace this transformation benefit from better-prepared employees who contribute more structured insights and ideas. Decisions are made faster and more effectively, thanks to AI-powered analysis, ideation, and evaluation. At the same time, team engagement increases through more productive collaboration, mutual learning, and new perspectives.
Generative AI thus becomes a true enabler of modern collaboration. It is far more than just an efficiency tool. When used correctly, it reshapes work culture and unlocks innovative potential.
Curious how your teams could benefit from generative AI? Reach out to us. We’re happy to support you in building a strategic approach.
