Observed Signal · Jan 8, 2025 · Research Report · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
AI at Work: Management and Employees Diverge on Expectations
A new Qualtrics study reveals a significant gap between leadership and employee expectations around AI adoption at work. Managers emphasize productivity gains, while employees prioritise improving quality. Only 53% of 35,000 surveyed employees worldwide trust their leaders to use AI effectively. There is a 17-percentage-point difference between executives and staff on whether employee well-being is prioritized over profit. Employees whose workplace expectations are met are almost four times more likely to trust AI implementation. Regular feedback also plays a central role in AI acceptance. Regional differences show US workers focus on productivity, while European workers focus on quality. Qualtrics recommends five measures for successful AI rollout, including clear goals, employee support, identifying internal AI advocates, careful tool selection, and close collaboration between HR and IT.
The study provides valuable survey data on employee trust and AI adoption, relevant for MarTech/CX vendors and enterprise AI transitions, but it does not directly affect AdTech operations or media buying.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Qualtrics surveyed 35,000 employees worldwide for its State of AI at Work study.
- Only 53% of employees believe their leaders can effectively use AI.
- There is a 17-percentage-point gap between leaders and employees on whether well-being is prioritized over profit.
- 47% of employees want to use AI time savings for quality improvement, while 27% want to increase quantity.
- US employees prioritise productivity, while European employees prioritise quality improvement.
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