2025 ChatGPT Pilot: AI study by state, NCCU reveals most found Chat GPT helpful, boosts workplace efficiency – ABC11
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The first-of-its-kind study used by North Carolina's treasurers' office is testing just how beneficial things like Chat GPT can be at work.
Treasurer Brad Briner, alongside Dr. Siobahn Day Grady of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), released the study of the pilot program on Friday. Dr. Grady is the founding director of the university's Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) that conducted the evaluation.
It was revealed most participants found Chat GPT helpful at work. It helps simplify complex documents into plain language and summarize long report.
The 48-page report showed examples of how AI impacted users' performance on specialized tasks and provided new ideas during the three-month trial, which was announced in March 2025. For example, some tasks that usually took 20 minutes but was done in 20 seconds. A 90-minute audit request review was reduced to a third of the 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," said 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."
A third of the participants had never used AI before, and 85% of the participants reported a positive experience. The report said: "Time savings averaged 30-60+ minutes per day, and real-world usage evolved significantly beyond initial expectations."
"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," Dr. Grady said. "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 said the other main takeaway that this wasn't a substitute for human judgement, but they did say crafting a good prompt can help Chat GPT narrow down the information you need.
The study is still underway at NCCU.
