Managers Use AI for Reviews: Employees Divided

Managers are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into the process of providing employee feedback. A recent survey indicated that 78% of managers utilized AI in the last year to help draft, edit, or summarize performance reviews. This adoption has led to mixed reactions among employees.

While 54% of employees report that AI-assisted feedback has become more specific and actionable, 34% found it more generic, and 32% perceived it as less useful. The way AI is employed—whether formatting human input or generating reviews—significantly impacts employee perception.

Beyond formal reviews, AI is also emerging as a tool for employee development. Nearly one in four employees have used AI to rehearse difficult workplace conversations, highlighting a need for practice support that managers are not always providing.

Companies are developing AI tools to facilitate this practice, offering automated coaching and avatar-based simulations. These tools aim to expand access to conversational practice without overstretching human resources, though their long-term effectiveness is still under observation.