How many employees use AI at work according to Gallup?

Nearly half of employees surveyed reported using AI tools at work at least a few times per year.

Do employers know if their employees use AI?

A significant number of employees (23%) do not know if their employer has adopted AI tools.

Which industries use AI the most?

Employees in tech, finance, and professional services report the highest rates of AI tool usage at work.

Home / Business and Economy / Workers Embrace AI, Employers Lag Behind

Workers Embrace AI, Employers Lag Behind

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Nearly half of employees use AI tools at work annually.
A quarter of employees don't know if their company uses AI.
AI adoption varies significantly across different industries.

Workers Embrace AI, Employers Lag Behind

The utilization of AI tools by individual employees in the workplace is on a notable upswing. Recent data indicates that almost half of all US adults surveyed now use AI at work at least a few times annually. This represents a significant increase in adoption, with more workers engaging with AI tools on a weekly and daily basis.

Despite this surge in personal AI use, a surprising disconnect persists between employees and their employers. A substantial portion of workers remain uninformed about their organization's AI strategy, unaware if the technology is being integrated to enhance productivity. This communication gap suggests that many employees are independently experimenting with AI tools rather than participating in a coordinated, top-down organizational initiative.

Furthermore, the adoption and impact of AI tools reveal considerable differences across various industries. While sectors like technology and finance show high rates of AI usage, others, such as manufacturing and retail, lag behind. This industry-specific variation underscores the complexity for businesses aiming to implement AI, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that balance employee freedom with necessary oversight and education.