In a rapidly evolving professional landscape dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) U.K.’s Chairman and Senior Partner, Kevin Ellis, offers valuable insights for the younger workforce, particularly those belonging to Generation Z. The corporate leader emphasizes the importance of spending more time in the office to boost career success in the age of AI.

Ellis, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stressed the impact of generative AI on tasks traditionally assigned to junior staff. “Tasks that in the past our more junior staff trained and cut their teeth on are now being taken over by generative AI,” he explained. With these traditional tasks diminishing, Ellis suggests a strategy for career advancement: increased office presence, Bloomberg reported Monday.

“If you’re asking me my opinion on how you succeed in your career, I’d be in the office four to five days a week,” Ellis advised, acknowledging the significance of face-to-face interaction and collaborative work in the era of AI.

The corporate leader’s comments align with the ongoing debate surrounding remote work productivity as companies worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ellis’s viewpoint is echoed by several corporate leaders, including Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase and David Solomon of Goldman Sachs, who advocate for younger workers to embrace office culture for mentorship and career opportunities.

A recent U.S. survey commissioned by Resume Builder highlighted potential professional consequences for remote workers, with fewer promotions and raises predicted for those who choose to work from home in 2023.

Ellis’s remarks come on the heels of a PwC report indicating that British companies are swiftly adopting AI, outpacing their global counterparts. The report reveals that 42% of U.K. CEOs implemented AI in the past year, compared to 32% globally. In the audit sector, Ellis anticipates a shift towards outcome-based fees and increased reliance on technology assets.

As the workplace transforms, Gen Z employees, born between 1997 and 2012, find themselves at the forefront of the generative AI revolution. While the jury is still out on the long-term impact of AI on productivity and workplace dynamics, Ellis suggests that embracing this technological shift can lead to enhanced efficiency, competitiveness, and ultimately profitability.

In conclusion, Ellis’s advice encapsulates a nuanced approach, urging younger employees to find a balance between remote work and increased office presence to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of AI in the professional world.