Global Survey Reveals Widespread AI Use at Work, Highlighting Benefits and Risks

Widespread AI Adoption in the Workplace

A comprehensive global study involving over 32,000 workers from 47 countries has revealed that 58% of employees intentionally use AI at work, with one-third using it on a weekly or daily basis 1

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. This widespread adoption of AI tools is rapidly transforming the work environment, offering significant productivity and performance benefits to many users.

Performance Benefits and Tool Preferences

The survey found that employees report several improvements from AI adoption at work:

• 67% noted increased efficiency
• 61% experienced better information access
• 59% saw enhanced innovation
• 58% reported improved work quality 1

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General-purpose generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are the most widely used, with about 70% of employees relying on free, public tools rather than AI solutions provided by their employers (42%) 1

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Inappropriate Use and Associated Risks

Despite the benefits, the study uncovered concerning trends in AI usage:

• 47% of AI users admit to using it inappropriately
• 63% have witnessed inappropriate AI use by colleagues
• 48% have uploaded sensitive company or customer information into public generative AI tools
• 44% have used AI at work in ways that violate organizational policies 1

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Complacent Use and Lack of Verification

The survey also highlighted issues with uncritical AI use:

• 66% of respondents have relied on AI output without evaluation
• 56% have made mistakes in their work due to AI
• Younger employees (18-34 years) are more likely to engage in inappropriate and complacent use 1

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These practices have led to documented cases of financial loss, reputational damage, and privacy breaches. About 35% of employees believe that AI tool use has increased privacy and compliance risks in their workplace 1

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Shadow AI Use and Lack of Governance

The study revealed a significant lack of transparency in AI use:

• 61% of employees have avoided revealing when they use AI
• 55% have presented AI-generated content as their own
• 66% have used AI tools without knowing if it's allowed 1

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This "shadow AI" use exacerbates risks and hinders organizations' ability to manage and mitigate potential issues. Only 34% of employees report that their organization has a policy guiding the use of generative AI tools, while 6% say their organization bans it 1

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The Need for AI Literacy and Governance

The research emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to implement:

• Responsible AI training and development of employees' AI literacy
• Clear policies, guidelines, and guardrails for AI use
• Systems of accountability and oversight
• Data privacy and security measures 1

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The study found that AI literacy is associated with greater trust in AI use at work and more performance benefits. However, less than half of employees (47%) report having received AI training or related education 1

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Creating a Culture of Responsible AI Use

To harness the potential of AI while mitigating risks, organizations need to foster a psychologically safe work environment where employees feel comfortable sharing how and when they use AI tools. This approach supports responsible diffusion of AI use and innovation, going beyond mere risk management 1

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