Workers Hesitate to Use AI at Work Despite More Tools Available

Only about half of US workers are using AI at work. This is much lower than how often leaders are using AI tools.
By Newsroom | Technology, Workplace |

Widespread Hesitation Underscores Skepticism Amidst Rising AI Adoption

A recent surge in artificial intelligence use within workplaces is met with persistent employee apprehension, according to findings from Gallup polls. Despite the increasing availability and experimentation with AI tools, a significant portion of the workforce continues to opt out. This divergence highlights a complex relationship between technological advancement and human adoption, suggesting that simply offering tools does not guarantee their use.

As AI use increases at work, many employees still choose not to use it: Gallup poll - 1

Among employees who have AI tools accessible, about a quarter report having tried AI at work and finding it unhelpful. Furthermore, roughly two in ten indicate they lack the necessary preparedness to use AI effectively. Another fifth of employees are infrequent users, engaging with AI tools only a few times monthly or even yearly.

As AI use increases at work, many employees still choose not to use it: Gallup poll - 2

Leaders, however, show a markedly different engagement. Approximately seven in ten leaders who use AI at least a few times annually report enhanced efficiency, a stark contrast to just over half of individual contributors who use it. This disparity has widened over time, with leaders demonstrating substantially higher and more frequent AI use compared to other employees.

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As AI use increases at work, many employees still choose not to use it: Gallup poll - 3

Reasons for Resistance

The reluctance to adopt AI stems from several factors. Many workers express a simple preference for traditional work methods, while others voice ethical objections to the technology. Concerns over data privacy also play a considerable role in this hesitancy.

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While half of all U.S. workers now report using artificial intelligence in some capacity, this figure belies the nuanced reality of adoption. Some employees may be using personal AI tools or engaging with AI without explicit awareness of their organization's official strategy, suggesting a gap between individual experimentation and company-wide implementation.

Gallup's research indicates that broader AI adoption is closely tied to robust managerial support and a clear strategic integration of AI into job roles. Employees less involved in organizational decision-making tend to be less aware of AI initiatives. Knowledge workers, particularly in sectors like technology and professional services, have shown a greater propensity to use AI compared to those in frontline positions.

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Defining Use

For the purpose of these surveys, 'Total AI users' are defined as employees who report using AI at work at least a few times a year. 'Frequent AI users' are those who indicate using AI at work a few times a week or more.

Despite leaders championing AI adoption and actively utilizing these tools, the majority of employees remain hesitant. This indicates a crucial need for organizations to approach AI integration with intention and clarity, focusing on workforce preparation and addressing the underlying reasons for employee skepticism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are workers not using AI tools at work?
Many workers prefer old ways of working, have ethical worries about AI, or are concerned about data privacy. Some also feel they are not ready to use AI well.
Q: Are leaders using AI more than other workers?
Yes, about seven in ten leaders who use AI report it helps them be more efficient. This is much higher than individual workers who use AI.
Q: How many workers have tried AI at work and found it unhelpful?
About a quarter of employees who have AI tools at work have tried them and said they were not helpful.
Q: What makes workers more likely to use AI?
AI use is higher when managers give good support and when AI is clearly part of the job. Knowledge workers in tech and professional jobs use AI more than frontline workers.
Q: What does Gallup mean by 'AI users'?
Gallup defines 'Total AI users' as employees who use AI at work at least a few times a year. 'Frequent AI users' use AI a few times a week or more.