AI Adoption in the Workplace Stirs Fear and Guilt Among Employees

As artificial intelligence tools make their way into workplaces, they’re bringing along complex human emotions like fear and guilt, according to new research. For many employees, using AI feels like a double-edged sword—helpful but potentially stigmatizing.

A survey conducted by Slack’s Workforce Lab in partnership with Qualtrics revealed that some employees worry their use of AI might be perceived as laziness or an inability to handle their responsibilities. This anxiety is compounded by a fear that relying on AI could make them appear less competent to managers or peers.

“There is this fear of being seen as lazy,” said Christina Janzer, Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics at Slack, during a press briefing. “I wasn’t expecting guilt to emerge as such a strong theme.”

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Workplace Hesitation Slows AI Adoption
The Slack survey of over 17,000 desk workers worldwide highlighted that workplace adoption of AI remains sluggish, largely due to employees’ discomfort and the lack of clear encouragement from leadership.

Janzer emphasized the need for supportive management: “If you feel trusted by your manager, you’re much more likely to use AI. People need to feel encouraged and supported to embrace these tools.”

Findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) align with this sentiment. In a study involving 5,000 participants, researchers found that while AI adoption is growing rapidly—28% of workers have adopted generative AI within two years—only 27% of employers actively encourage its use. Among those who feel supported, 83% reported using AI, compared to just 7% of those without encouragement.

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The Emotional Impact of AI on the Workforce
Unlike earlier technological advancements, AI brings unique emotional challenges, reshaping workplace interactions. “We trust the machine more than we trust the person to do the thing,” noted Helen Poitevin, a Gartner analyst, at the recent Gartner ReimagineHR conference.

AI’s presence has also given rise to new tools aimed at easing workplace tension. For instance, AI feedback coaches now help employees prepare for sensitive conversations, simulate responses, and improve communication skills.

Poitevin described these tools as “AI pocket advisers,” providing real-time guidance for daily tasks. However, she cautioned that over-reliance on AI could undermine human connection. “You can lose the human connection by always relying on a bot,” she warned.

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A Rapid but Uneven Adoption Curve
Despite the emotional and social hurdles, AI adoption in the workplace is accelerating at a pace comparable to personal computers in the 1980s. While PCs had a 25% adoption rate in workplaces after three years, generative AI reached 28% in just two years, according to the NBER study.

Still, the path to widespread adoption requires more than just availability—it needs clear communication, encouragement, and reassurance from leaders. Without these factors, the emotional hesitations surrounding AI may continue to slow its potential impact on productivity and innovation.

In a rapidly changing workforce, the message is clear: trust and guidance are critical for AI adoption to succeed.