Why Employees and Executives Disagree About AI Adoption

In an Axios article, Megan Morrone reports on the stark divide that AI adoption is creating between executives and employees, with leaders pushing for rapid implementation while workers express skepticism and frustration. A recent survey of 800 employees and 800 C-suite executives highlights these differing perspectives, revealing fundamental disagreements about strategy, success, and the overall impact of AI in the workplace.

Although 73% of executives believe their AI approach is controlled and strategic, only 47% of employees share that view. Similarly, 75% of executives consider their AI adoption successful over the past year, compared to just 45% of employees. The disparity extends to AI literacy, with 89% of executives claiming their company has a solid AI strategy, while only 57% of employees agree. 

Workplace dissatisfaction is compounded by practical challenges. Nearly all surveyed executives (94%) are unhappy with their company’s AI solutions, with 71% reporting that AI projects are developed in isolation. Meanwhile, 59% of executives and 35% of employees are considering leaving their jobs for companies that are more innovative in implementing generative AI. 

Employee resistance stems from dissatisfaction with AI performance and fear of job displacement. Many believe AI-generated outputs are inaccurate, confusing, and biased, with 41% of millennial and Gen Z workers refusing to use AI tools. Other employees think their jobs will be replaced by AI. May Habib, CEO of Writer, says that asking those employees to embrace AI is like “asking a turkey to vote for Thanksgiving.” 

Executives, often removed from daily AI implementation, fail to recognize this discontent. To bridge the gap, leaders must demonstrate AI’s value beyond automation, ensuring its integration supports employees rather than renders them obsolete. Until then, AI adoption will remain a source of workplace tension rather than transformation.