A New AI In The Workplace Survey

Last month, we talked about the influence of AI in the workplace. It appears that will be more the rule than the exception going forward. A new survey indicates that “1 in 6 workers pretend to use AI amid workplace pressures.” Including those, 1 in 5 feel pressured to use AI in unfamiliar circumstances or situations. Three-fourths of workers indicate they are expected to use AI in some manner – whether officially or unofficially – leading to the above results. In contrast, a significant majority of workers surveyed feel more productive using AI, and nearly three-quarters are comfortable using it. Paradoxically, however, 25 to 30 percent feel overwhelmed and/or have not received any training in the use of AI. Employers implementing or considering AI are well-advised to provide the training needed for employees to be comfortable – if not proficient – in its use. 

Ironically, circumstances may be working against the adoption of AI: some companies have difficulty determining how best to actually use AI in their operations; and while some employees are having difficulty adopting it, companies are finding their allocations for employee training insufficient for that need because the training needed can be so intensive. 

States are also trying to figure out how to handle AI, particularly in light of the moves of the federal government to reduce regulation and accelerate AI innovation. A plethora of regulatory efforts is being considered around the country. One example is that the legislature in Colorado could not agree on various provisions and therefore delayed the scheduled implementation of its law from February to June of 2026. Trying to reconcile various regulations will prove problematic for multi-state employers.  

With AI use expanding, it is going to be necessary for employers and developers alike to work together to navigate emerging local, state and federal laws – balancing innovation with safeguards against unintended bias.