State AI Pilot Reveals Huge Gains in Workplace Efficiency
In a significant move to embrace cutting-edge technology, the state of North Carolina is testing just how beneficial AI tools like ChatGPT can be in a professional government setting. The initial results are in, and they point towards a major leap in productivity.
A Groundbreaking Partnership for AI in Public Service
A first-of-its-kind study involving North Carolina's treasurer's office has yielded powerful insights into AI's role in the modern workplace. Treasurer Brad Briner, in collaboration with Dr. Siobahn Day Grady of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), released the study of the pilot program to the public. Dr. Grady is the founding director of NCCU's prestigious Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) institute, which was responsible for evaluating the program.
The findings revealed that the vast majority of participants found ChatGPT to be a helpful workplace tool. Its primary benefits included simplifying complex documents into plain, understandable language and quickly summarizing lengthy reports.
Dramatic Gains in Efficiency and Productivity
The 48-page report from the three-month trial, which began in March 2025, is filled with examples of AI enhancing employee performance. The results were staggering: some tasks that previously took 20 minutes to complete were accomplished in just 20 seconds. In another instance, a 90-minute audit request review was shortened to just one-third of its original time.
"This pilot is a clear signal: AI can help public servants do their jobs faster, smarter, and with greater impact for the people they serve," commented Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer for OpenAI. "Putting tools like ChatGPT directly in the hands of state employees means less time on paperwork and more time delivering real results. It's a powerful example for how states can lead - and ensure that more communities share in the benefits of AI."
Overwhelmingly Positive User Feedback
Even for those new to the technology—a full third of the participants had never used AI before—the response was overwhelmingly positive, with 85% reporting a good experience. The report said, "Time savings averaged 30-60+ minutes per day, and real-world usage evolved significantly beyond initial expectations."
Expert Insights: Embracing AI as a Tool
Dr. Grady emphasized that the technology is meant to augment, not replace, human capabilities. "The main takeaway is this was a huge additive to the work that people are already doing so it enhanced the work that they did, and it was found that they had relief and enthusiasm about using this particular product," she said. Addressing potential fears, Dr. Grady added, "So, I would say for those who are skeptical it's normal to be cautious and we should be cautious about these technologies, but we should also embrace them because they aren't going anywhere."
Researchers also noted that AI is not a substitute for human judgment. The key to unlocking its potential lies in crafting effective prompts to help the AI narrow down the vast amount of information it can access. With the study still underway at NCCU, more insights are sure to come.
