80% of workers rely on AI, but nearly 1 in 2 don't inform their boss: Survey
recent survey
of 1,000 US employees across industries, conducted by Gusto. As ChatGPT surpasses one billion users globally, 80% of US workers report using AI at work, with 36% calling it 'essential' to their jobs. Yet only 26% say their organisations have clear AI policies, signalling a major gap between top-down governance and on-the-ground adoption.
The report reveals that 45% of workers have used AI without informing their managers, with Gen Z and tech workers leading covert adoption. Two-thirds (66%) are personally paying for AI tools, underscoring a bottom-up transformation in how technology is being deployed across the workforce. However, this quiet shift comes with unease: 47% of employees have taken precautionary steps due to AI-related uncertainty, including increased savings (34%) and starting side hustles (24%).
Skill inflation is also on the rise. One in four workers admitted to exaggerating their AI skills during hiring, often learning on the job or catching up later. This 'fake it till you make it' trend reflects growing pressure to appear AI-literate amid limited access to formal training.
Google Trends data further shows rising anxiety nationwide about AI's impact on jobs, with California, Florida, and Texas showing the highest search volumes. When adjusted for population, Colorado and Mississippi rank highest per capita, with top concerns centred around job loss and the future of tech employment.
Despite the enthusiasm for AI tools, the workforce is divided: 36% see AI as essential, while the rest view it as experimental. Still, 53% of workers say their productivity would suffer if AI were banned, highlighting its growing integration into day-to-day tasks.
Transparency remains low, with only 32% proactively disclosing their use of AI, while the rest offer minimal or no explanation. This lack of clarity raises concerns around feedback, task assignment, and evaluation processes, making it harder for managers to assess work quality.
Compounding these issues is a growing compensation gap. While 39% of companies have seen ROI from AI usage, only 17% of workers report receiving raises, bonuses, or recognition tied to AI-enhanced performance. Nearly a quarter (24%) believe their employers are benefiting financially while they see no personal gain, and 17% feel they're being asked to do more without additional pay.
The findings underscore a quiet yet profound shift in workplace dynamics. Workers are leading AI adoption without waiting for top-down direction, creating pressure on employers to formalise policies, provide training, and ensure equitable benefits. Failure to do so risks widening the disconnect between corporate leadership and frontline innovation.
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