AI (Artificial Intelligence), Leadership & Management
New research underscores the importance of HR and IT working together to drive AI adoption and avoid costly missteps.
At a time when AI is transforming every industry, most organizations are pouring significant resources into AI. Yet widespread adoption often stalls and successes have been limited, leaving leaders to wonder: “Is my company truly ready for AI?”
Nearly half of companies (42%) say they expect to abandon most of their AI pilot projects by the end of 2024, up from 17% the year prior, according to S&P Global. And although eight in 10 companies say they use AI, an equal number haven’t seen a real impact on their bottom line, reports McKinsey & Company.
The biggest hurdle isn’t technology — it’s people. Two out of three organizations are culturally and operationally unprepared for AI transformation, according to Great Place To Work’s 2024 survey of 43K employees across 69 countries.
And specifically among frontline workers — those who must be present to do their jobs — two in three fear that AI might replace their job, according to a recent 10-country global study of 8,200 frontline employees by UKG.
To understand what helps employees embrace AI, Great Place To Work surveyed 3,700 workers across 25 countries in August of 2025, aiming to uncover what’s needed to bridge disconnects, assuage fears, and encourage employees to adopt AI. The survey found:
1. Excitement and trust drive AI adoption more than access to AI tools.
While 85% of employees worldwide can use AI at work, less than half feel excited about it or trust their employer to use AI responsibly.
2. Clear and encouraging leadership accelerates adoption and unlocks greater ROI.
Employees are 2.5 times more likely to use AI when their leaders actively support it, and more than twice as likely when leaders show how AI can benefit their career.
3. Executive enthusiasm is not reaching the frontline.
Executives think they’re communicating clearly about AI, but frontline employees don’t feel the same. While 83% of executives say the message is getting through, only 37% of frontline workers agree. The same gap shows up with encouragement: 81% of executives believe they’re supportive, but just 33% of frontline employees feel encouraged.
4. Peer support and training make a big difference in using AI.
Employees who get training are much more likely to use AI at work — one in three said training improved their work. Among them, 94% are active AI users compared to 52% employees who want training and 37% who feel no need for it.
And nearly 90% of employee resource group (ERG) members say they use AI, while only 67% of employees outside of ERGs do. This suggests that people are more likely to try new technology when they’re part of a group where they feel comfortable and trust each other.
5. Meet employees where they are to scale adoption.
Employees who are open to change are 40% more likely to use AI at work, showing that a flexible mindset helps adoption spread faster and farther.
Against this backdrop, Great Place To Work (in partnership with Cadence Design Systems) developed the AI For All Index™, a data-backed, 12-question assessment that measures AI readiness and alignment within organizations.
Great Place To Work collected responses from over 70,000 employees across eight companies on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list and found key insights for companies looking to drive AI adoption.
For more information on the AI For All Index and its findings, contact Kim Peters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
