Generative AI is entering the workforce fast, but many employees aren’t ready for it. New research from Perceptyx finds that employees often lack the skills to use AI, question whether it’s being deployed fairly, and feel unsupported in adapting their roles. These gaps are most pronounced among individual contributors and younger employees, raising the risk that AI adoption will deepen divides instead of boosting productivity.  

Drawing on insights from more than 3,600 employees across North America and Europe, the study warns that without building trust, transparency, and support into AI adoption, organizations risk losing workforce engagement and the business outcomes AI promises. The organizations that succeed won’t just deploy AI fastest—they will embed it into the employee experience, turning AI into a competitive advantage rather than a cultural divide. 

Key findings include the following.  

• Who’s using AI? Nearly three quarters (71%) report some AI usage at work, but only 15% say their teams fully leverage it.  
• Only 35% of individual contributors use AI compared to 68% of managers and 82% of executives.  
• Most (81% to 85%) of managers and executives report their workloads have changed due to AI; 84% to 90% need new skills compared to only 67% of individual contributors.  
• Individual contributors are the least confident. Just 47% understand adoption decisions, 43% say AI-supported decisions are fair, and 47% feel their organization is transparent about AI use.  
• Gen Z employees, despite heavy experimentation, report the lowest trust. Nearly two-thirds trust their organization to use AI ethically, compared to 72% to 74% of older generations. 
• More than half (53%) of all employees fear bias or discrimination in AI-driven decisions and 38% are unclear on how AI will affect their roles. 

Together, these gaps underscore that without clear communication, support, and equitable access, AI adoption could staff and deepen workforce inequities.  

“These findings show us that global AI adoption is not just a productivity story, it’s a stress test for organizational culture and trust,” says Brad Wilson, global head, workforce insights and innovation at Perceptyx. “Organizations that ignore gaps in trust, fairness, and manager enablement risk disengaging employees, especially those closest to day-to-day execution. A human-centered approach to AI is essential to realize its full potential.” 

The study also underscores the importance of proactive strategies.  

• Communicate clearly about AI tools and role impacts. 
• Equip managers to guide teams through AI-driven change. 
• Address skill gaps and equity issues to ensure all employees benefit. 
• Leverage employee experience tools that help bridge the gap from listening to taking action. 

Without trust, transparency, and team-level enablement, AI adoption will stall. The organizations that succeed will integrate AI into the employee experience in ways that drive engagement, productivity, and long-term business impact.