Most Workers Uncomfortable Admitting To AI Use at Work

AI continues to reshape workplaces globally, but its adoption remains a sensitive subject for many workers, according to a new study, with many reluctant to disclose their use of AI out of fear or confusion.

According to the latest Slack Workforce Index, a majority of Singapore workers (52%) are using AI in their jobs, with 53% expressing excitement about AI taking over routine work. However, almost half of that (45%) report feeling uncomfortable admitting AI use to their managers. They fear being perceived as incompetent, lazy, or outright “cheating” through the use of technology.

The AI-workplace gap

Despite the uncertainty around AI at work, 88% of Singapore respondents say they feel an urgency to skill up as AI experts. Yet, many lack adequate training, with 63% admitting that they have spent less than five hours learning about AI tools. Indeed, 30% of global workers say they have had no AI training at all, including no self-directed learning or experimentation.

According to the report, global workers with guidance to use AI saw a 13 percentage point increase in AI adoption, while global workers with no guidance to use AI only saw a 2 percentage point increase. The training gap hence reflects a missed opportunity for companies to harness AI’s full potential​.

For now, workers are optimistic about AI’s role in the workplace. Many expect to use time saved by AI to focus on core projects, administrative tasks, and skill development. In addition, a significant 87% of Singapore employees consider an employer’s AI capabilities an important factor in their job search, which underscores the growing importance of AI in attracting and retaining talent​.

“Too much of the burden today has been put on workers to figure out AI. It’s important that leaders not only train workers to use AI, but encourage employees to talk about it and experiment with AI out in the open,” said Christina Janzer, ​​SVP of Research and Analytics at Slack.

Janzer suggested that the arrival of AI agents, alongside clearly defined roles and guidelines, will help alleviate the ambiguity and anxiety many workers feel around using AI at work.

Ultimately, the onus is on employers to “solve the gap in training and get clear about AI guidelines, as current employees and new professionals entering the workforce will gravitate to more supportive workplaces,” according to Slack’s research.

Image credit: iStock/demaerre