Workers are calling for better AI training as companies introduce new tools without enough support. Recent surveys from Gallup and Wiley show a major gap between what employees need and what employers provide. This is causing frustration and making it harder for workers to use AI effectively. Many feel they are being left to figure out complex new technologies all on their own, which is hurting both confidence and productivity in the workplace.
A Growing Disconnect in the Workplace
Across many industries, employees are feeling the pressure to learn AI tools by themselves. Companies are launching new technologies, but they are not offering the training needed to use them well. This is leading to a major disconnect between the goals of leadership and the daily reality for workers.
AI expert Andrew Grill highlights this common problem. “What I’ve seen a lot of is people are basically turning on Microsoft Copilot, saying ‘Hey, everyone, we’ve now got access to it,’ but they’re not explaining what to do with it.” This hands-off approach leaves employees confused and unable to use the tools to their full potential.
While over 90% of Fortune 500 HR leaders are using AI to improve their business, only about a third of U.S. employees are even aware of how AI is being used in their company. This shows a clear failure in communication from the top down.
Survey Data Reveals a Crisis of Confidence
Recent statistics paint a clear picture of how unprepared the workforce feels. Data from Gallup and Wiley shows that as AI tools become more common, employee confidence is actually going down.
The numbers highlight a significant drop in how ready employees feel to work with new AI technologies.
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Workers feeling very comfortable with AI | 6% |
| Workers somewhat comfortable with AI | 16% |
| Drop in employees feeling prepared to work with AI | -6 percentage points |
| Employees struggling to integrate AI into work | 40% |
| Workers lacking confidence in utilizing AI | 75% |
| Managers feeling equipped to support AI integration | ~33% |
This stark contrast shows that while leaders are adopting AI, the employees expected to use it are being left behind. The lack of confidence is a major barrier to successful AI integration.
Is AI Helping or Hurting Productivity?
AI tools are supposed to make work easier and faster, but for many, they are having the opposite effect. An Upwork survey found that almost 80% of employees using generative AI felt it actually added to their workload and hurt their productivity. Instead of saving time, workers are finding themselves burdened with new tasks related to managing the AI itself.
This negative impact on daily operations comes from several key areas:
- Increased Review Time: Employees have to spend extra time checking the work produced by AI to ensure it is accurate and appropriate.
- Self-Learning Burden: Without formal training, workers must use their own time to learn how to operate the new AI tools effectively.
- Reduced Efficiency: The time spent on these new AI-related tasks takes away from core responsibilities, leading to a drop in overall productivity.
Ben Wigert of Gallup notes that leaders often use AI more in their own jobs and have a bigger-picture view of its benefits. However, this perspective doesn’t always translate to the average employee’s experience.
How Employers Can Bridge the AI Gap
To fix these growing problems, experts suggest that employers need to be more proactive. Gallup has outlined three key strategies to help companies integrate AI successfully without overwhelming their employees.
- Clearly Communicate a Plan for Integration: When employees understand the company’s strategy for AI, they are almost three times more likely to feel prepared. A clear plan builds confidence and helps everyone get on the same page.
- Establish Clear Guidance for AI Use: Currently, 75% of workers say they lack clear policies on how to use AI. Creating simple guidelines can empower employees to use these tools securely and effectively.
- Align Training with Employees’ Needs: Providing formal training is one of the most effective ways to boost confidence. Employees who receive proper training are nearly 90% more likely to have a positive view of AI.
By taking these steps, companies can turn AI from a source of stress into a powerful tool that truly helps their workforce.
