Recent research by enterprise AI startup Writer reveals a growing divide between management and employees as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in the workplace. The study found that nearly half of executives believe AI is "dividing" their companies, a discrepancy also reflected in the willingness of executives and employees to use AI tools.
The survey revealed that 94% of C-suite executives are dissatisfied with current AI solutions, while 72% admit their companies face "at least one challenge" in AI implementation. Even more striking, 59% of executives say they are actively seeking companies more innovative in generative AI. This contrasts sharply with the 35% of employees who show relatively low willingness to change jobs.
The December 2024 study surveyed 800 C-suite executives and 800 employees using generative AI across various industries, including technology, financial services, retail, and healthcare, with companies ranging from 100 to over 10,000 employees. While some executives believe AI integration is progressing smoothly, only 45% of employees feel their company's AI deployment in the past year has been successful. In fact, 57% of employees are unsure if their company even has an AI strategy, a belief strongly held by 89% of executives.
Dissatisfaction within workplaces has been escalating since late 2022, fueled by the AI boom sparked by ChatGPT. An IBM study in May 2024 noted that nearly two-thirds of leaders believe that while AI adoption will accelerate workplace transformation, their organizations still need to proactively embrace AI. A LinkedIn report also revealed that 53% of employees conceal their AI usage due to fears of job displacement.
Regarding this disconnect between executives and employees, Writer's CEO, May Habib, attributes employee resistance to fears of job displacement and the inadequacy of AI tools. She points out that roughly half of employees find AI-generated information inaccurate and confusing, with 41% of millennial and Gen Z employees even admitting to sabotaging company AI strategies by refusing to use AI tools.
Habib argues that executives are often detached from the practical implementation of AI at the operational level, failing to understand employee concerns. To bridge this gap, leaders need to demonstrate to employees that AI is meant to enhance overall company output, and this requires the support of existing employees. However, even employees optimistic about AI's potential struggle to fully embrace impractical tools.
Data shows that 35% of employees even pay out of pocket for generative AI tools they use at work. Habib expresses disappointment at this, stressing that companies should provide AI tools better suited to employee needs, rather than simply relying on chatbots.
Key Takeaways:
🔍 Nearly half of executives believe AI is creating division in the workplace, with 94% dissatisfied with current AI solutions.
👥 Only 45% of employees believe their company successfully deployed AI in the past year, and 57% say their company lacks a clear AI strategy.
💼 41% of younger employees are sabotaging company AI strategies by refusing to use AI tools, and 35% are purchasing AI tools themselves to meet work demands.
