Employees Need AI Support and Feedback

By Juan Jose (JJ) Ayala, Executive Director, Team Percepto

AI is everywhere in the workplace, but what is often missing is clear guidance, training, and honest conversation about how employees actually use it. A recent Fortune article on “AI shame” highlighted a troubling reality: nearly half of employees hide their use of AI at work, including 53.4% of executives, even though they are among the most frequent users. The WalkMe survey cited by Fortune shows that 48.8% of employees admit concealing their AI habits, while Gen Z, the most eager adopters, are often left with the least training. Only 7.5% of all employees reported receiving extensive AI training, up only slightly from 7.0% in 2024. Sharon Bernstein, CHRO of WalkMe, told Fortune, “Companies are not educating enough about this whole thing. They are not training their employees enough today, or guiding.”

The numbers reveal a paradox. Employees know AI can boost productivity, with 80% saying it has improved their work. Yet 59% also admit they spend more time wrestling with AI tools than completing tasks on their own. Gen Z reports the highest pressure, with 65.3% saying AI slows them down and 68% feeling pressured to produce more. At the same time, 62.2% of Gen Z workers worry about AI’s impact on their jobs, while 86% believe AI proficiency is critical for career success. These findings show the conflicting mix of eagerness, anxiety, and lack of support that defines today’s workplace.

Employee Feedback

This is why asking employees directly is crucial. As I wrote in my earlier article Employee Feedback Drives Smarter AI, every organization is different. While broad surveys provide important benchmarks, only your employees can tell you how they are using AI, where they are struggling. And you may be surprised who is really driving AI in your organization without you even knowing it. Promote it and elevate it, for the good of the employee and the organization. Without this feedback, adoption risks being shallow, employees risk hiding their usage, and the promise of AI risks turning into frustration. By contrast, when employees are given safe channels to share their perceptions and experiences, companies can design training programs that are customized, targeted, and more effective.

For CEOs, the benefit is clear. You cannot rely solely on industry data or external assumptions to guide AI adoption. Anonymous, independent employee surveys uncover insights that help you see the field as it really is. Just as radio programmers once told me that research was like putting on prescription glasses, the music was the same, but suddenly everything came into focus, employee research helps CEOs sharpen their instincts and make better decisions. Instead of fearing AI shame or shadow use, employees can be empowered to learn openly, ask questions, and feel supported from the top down.

The lesson from the Fortune article is that AI readiness is not about having tools, it is about creating the culture and support that let people use them with confidence. The lesson from Team Percepto’s work is that the fastest way to build that culture is to ask employees directly, gather their feedback, and act on it. With ongoing surveys and transparent dialogue, AI adoption becomes a shared journey that strengthens both productivity and trust.

Employee feedback on AI

By Juan Jose (JJ) Ayala

Team Percepto, A Consumer and Business Research Insights Company, September 2025