Workers feel embarrassed using AI tools at work

Many workers say they’re embarrassed to use AI at work. The latest research from Slack reveals a troubling plateau in AI tool adoption among workers, with many feeling both anxious and embarrassed about utilizing these technologies in their roles. Over the past few months, just a modest increase from 32% to 33% in reported AI usage has been noted, despite a compelling desire from executives for employees to engage more with AI.

Understanding the feelings surrounding AI use among workers

Slack’s Workforce Index, which surveyed over 17,000 global “desk workers,” indicates that nearly half of US workers are hesitant to admit they use AI tools, fearing they may be perceived as lazy or even cheating. This anxiety can be attributed to a lack of clear guidance on appropriate use, leaving many employees uncertain about how and when to integrate AI into their workflows. Moreover, 48% of respondents expressed discomfort in discussing their AI use with managers, highlighting the stigma still attached to such tools.

In contrast, workers who felt comfortable communicating their AI-related activities with management reported a 67% higher likelihood of actually using AI in their work. Meanwhile, 76% of survey participants stated they have an urge to enhance their AI skills, reflecting a broad desire for knowledge in an increasingly tech-driven environment. However, two-thirds of workers indicated they’ve spent fewer than five hours on AI training, and nearly 30% claimed they received no training whatsoever.

Janzer emphasized that the onus is now on organizations to lower these barriers to use, stating, “Too much of the burden has been put on workers to figure out how to use AI.” Encouraging a more open dialogue about AI integration and offering genuine guidance can help alleviate much of the discomfort felt by employees. She added that “the arrival of AI agents—with clearly defined roles and guidelines—will also help with adoption, alleviating the ambiguity and anxiety many workers feel around using AI at work.”

Google and Microsoft have committed to hybrid work arrangements

The disconnect between executives and employees regarding AI’s application

Interestingly, Slack’s report highlights a notable disconnect in the expectations between executives and their teams. While companies desire employees to invest their time—freed up by AI—into innovation and skill development, employees report that they often redirect this extra time towards mundane tasks and existing projects, rather than exploring new avenues.

“Workers are very confused about when it is socially and professionally acceptable to use AI at work,” said Christina Janzer. This confusion can carry significant implications for productivity and innovation as firms look to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. Additionally, Slack points out that companies have expressed concerns around leveraging the technology swiftly, citing risks such as information security and accuracy that can hamstring AI initiatives.

As organizations ready themselves to invest in AI tools, it becomes essential for them to establish clear communication about acceptable AI use practices. Janzer urges, “Employers and employees both have a really important role to play here in accelerating AI adoption and helping to push past this plateau that we’re seeing in the data.” Creating an environment conducive to learning and experimentation with AI tools could ease employees’ fears, ultimately leading to greater engagement with the technology.

The survey results reflect a crucial need for firms to develop and implement training programs, set clear guidelines, and encourage collaboration between management and employees in navigating the intricacies of AI usage. By doing so, organizations stand a better chance of overcoming barriers to adoption and fostering a more empowered workforce eager to explore the potential of AI in their daily tasks.