Executives, managers far more likely to use AI than individual contributors: report

There is a significant disconnect among different ranks in the workplace when it comes to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), according to a report.

Currently, 82% of executives and 68% of managers report using GenAI often, regularly, or occasionally.

However, this number drops to just 35% of individual contributors (ICs), reports Perceptyx.

Managers and executives are bearing the brunt of GenAI-driven transformation. According to the report, 81% of managers and 85% of executives say their workload has changed because of GenAI, compared to 59% of ICs. Similarly, 84% of managers and 90% of executives report needing to learn new skills, versus 67% of ICs.

“Managers are playing a dual role: adapting their own workflows while also guiding their teams through change,” Perceptyx notes.

More than 8 in 10 HR professionals are already using AI at work, according to a previous survey from Growclass and Angus Reid.

Individual contributors being left behind in AI use

While 76% of managers and 79% of executives say Generative AI (GenAI) is at least somewhat integrated into their workflows, only 58% of ICs make the same claim, according to the Perceptyx survey of over 3,600 employees across North America and Europe.

Many frontline employees are being left behind. Only 58% of ICs say GenAI is at least somewhat integrated into their workflows, compared to 76% of managers and 79% of executives.

Despite this, over two in three ICs (67%) report needing to learn new skills amid the surge of AI use, compared with 84% of managers and 90% of executives who say the same.

Access to information and transparency is also lower for ICs: just 47% say they understand how decisions are made about which GenAI tools are adopted, compared to 69% of managers and 81% of executives.

Trust and fairness perceptions are similarly divided. Only 43% of ICs believe GenAI-supported decisions are fair, compared to 64% of managers and 81% of executives. Psychological safety is also an issue: just 59% of ICs feel comfortable raising concerns about GenAI, versus 72% of managers and 84% of executives.

“If ICs feel excluded from the conversation, they may resist GenAI-enabled changes or disengage from organizational priorities,” Perceptyx warns.

Confidence in using AI at work

Perceptyx finds that confidence in working with GenAI is generally high: 82% of employees globally say they feel at least moderately confident in their ability to work in a GenAI-augmented environment. However, only half report feeling very or extremely confident. This suggests that many employees may be waiting for clear instructions rather than experimenting on their own, according to the report.

Managers play a critical role in bridging this gap: 77% of employees say their manager is moderately or very prepared to lead them through GenAI-driven change. However, only 64% say their manager actively helps the team adapt.

“Preparedness without action risks leaving employees in the dark, particularly those who are less confident in their own skills,” Perceptyx states.

Previously, Ottawa announced the creation of an AI Strategy Task Force and a month-long national consultation aimed at shaping the country’s future approach to artificial intelligence (AI).

How to encourage employees to use AI

“The ability of companies to reshape workflows depends heavily on the engagement of frontline employees,” according to the Boston Consulting Group.

The firm suggests that employers do the following to encourage workers to use AI at work more often:

• Provide leadership support. “When leaders demonstrate strong support for AI, frontline employees are more likely to use it regularly, enjoy their jobs, and feel good about their careers.”

• Provide the right tools. “When employees don’t have the AI tools they need, more than half said they will find alternatives and use them anyway. This is a recipe for frustration, security risks, and fragmentation of efforts.”

• Provide proper training. “When companies train their employees in AI, they are more likely to be regular users and to express confidence in the technology. Regular usage is sharply higher for employees that receive at least five hours of training and have access to in-person training and coaching.”