A new report from the Slack Workforce Index reveals that artificial intelligence adoption has stalled among U.S. desk workers, climbing just one percent to 33% in recent months. This slow progress highlights a significant roadblock for businesses aiming to boost productivity. The core issues are a culture of fear around using AI, a lack of practical training, and a clear disconnect between what leaders want from AI and what employees actually need.
Stagnant Adoption Threatens Billions in Potential Growth
The promise of AI is enormous, with experts at McKinsey estimating it could add as much as $4.4 trillion to the global economy each year. Research also shows that AI-powered teams often perform better, with Salesforce data indicating sales teams using AI are 1.3 times more likely to experience revenue growth.
However, these benefits are out of reach if employees don’t actually use the technology. The Slack report suggests that companies have largely left workers to figure out AI on their own.
This hands-off approach could lead to an incomplete and uneven adoption across the workforce. According to Christina Janzer, Slack’s Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics, leaders must do more than just provide tools. She stressed the importance of fostering open discussions and supporting experimentation to overcome the hurdles preventing widespread use.
Why Employees are Using AI in Secret
A surprising culture of fear is holding back AI adoption. The report found that nearly half of U.S. desk workers are uncomfortable discussing their AI use with their managers. This hesitation is rooted in concerns about how they will be perceived.
Many employees worry that admitting to using AI will make them appear lazy, less skilled, or even dishonest, as if they are “cheating” on their work. This stigma creates a major barrier to open exploration and learning.
The data shows a clear path forward. Workers who feel comfortable talking about AI with their managers are 67% more likely to use it for their tasks. Creating a supportive environment where AI is seen as a helpful tool, not a crutch, is crucial for encouraging employees to embrace its potential without fear of judgment.
A Disconnect between Management Goals and Employee Reality
While company leaders are excited about using AI for high-level innovation and upskilling, most employees have more immediate concerns. This creates a fundamental misalignment between executive strategy and the day-to-day reality of the workforce.
Leaders envision AI freeing up employees for creative projects and skill development. In contrast, employees are primarily looking to AI to help them manage administrative work, catch up on backlogged projects, and streamline their daily routines. This gap shows that leadership and staff are not on the same page when it comes to AI’s purpose.
The different priorities are highlighted below:
| Leadership Priorities for AI | Employee Priorities for AI |
|---|---|
| Fostering innovation and new projects | Handling routine administrative tasks |
| Upskilling and employee development | Managing core projects and backlogs |
| Driving long-term strategic growth | Simplifying daily work processes |
To close this gap, companies need to meet employees where they are. By first showing them how AI can help with the tasks they care about now, leaders can build the confidence needed for workers to eventually use AI for more strategic goals.
A Widespread Shortfall in AI Training
Despite strong interest from workers, formal AI training is severely lacking. The report reveals that 76% of U.S. desk workers feel an urgency to learn AI skills, yet the opportunities to do so are scarce. This training gap is one of the biggest factors slowing down adoption.
The numbers paint a clear picture of the problem:
- 61% of employees have received fewer than five hours of AI training.
- 30% of desk workers have had no AI training at all.
- Workers with training saw a 13% adoption increase since the start of the year, compared to just a 2% increase for those without any guidance.
This lack of investment in training doesn’t just impact current productivity; it also affects a company’s ability to attract new talent. A significant 75% of workers now consider a company’s AI capabilities when looking for a new job. Businesses that fail to prioritize AI training may find themselves at a major disadvantage in the hiring market.
