As more U.S. workplaces adopt artificial intelligence tools, 1 in 5 workers say they feel pressured to use it in situations they’re unsure about — and 1 in 6 say they sometimes pretend to use AI, according to a recent survey from Howdy.com.
Overall, 75% of workers said they’re expected to use AI at work, whether officially or unofficially. Although most workers said they agree with their leadership’s approach to AI, others said they feel pressured and uncomfortable, and some said they pretend to use it rather than push back.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the white collar workspace as a daily updates provide opportunities to optimize,” according to the report. “However, potential does not always lead to smooth implementation.”
In a survey of more than 1,000 full-time U.S. professionals, 59% said they use AI at least daily. While two-thirds said they feel energized by integrating AI into their workflow, 1 in 10 said AI has damaged their sense of self-worth at work.
In general, 84% of workers said they feel more productive using AI, and 71% said they know how to use it efficiently. Most AI users reported less burnout, less work stress and better job satisfaction. Nearly a third said they feel less lonely, and a quarter said they collaborate more.
In contrast, some workers said they struggle to keep up, with 1 in 4 feeling “often” or “always” overwhelmed with AI developments. A third also said that learning, using and checking AI takes as much time as their previous approach to work.
Among those expected to use AI at work, 25% said they haven’t received any training. Another quarter said they received formal training, and a third were given dedicated time at work to learn AI skills.
For some U.S. employers, an AI development disconnect has emerged, where some workers pretend to understand the technology and others decline to prioritize AI learning and development opportunities. HR professionals can help by implementing programs that build AI fluency, tailoring initiatives to employees’ skill levels and personalizing career paths, Deloitte AI leaders say. HR teams can also identify future-critical skills and create pathways for employees to transition into AI-augmented roles.