Managers Are Adopting AI at Twice the Rate of Employees, Gallup Study Finds

Managers Use AI Twice as Often as Employees, Study Finds

A recent survey by The Gallup Organization reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is increasing significantly among office workers, with 50% reporting some use. However, managers are leading the way, using AI services twice as often as regular employees.

Specifically, 33% of managers—or those who manage other managers—use AI frequently (several times a week or more). In contrast, only 16% of employees report such frequent use. This gap highlights how leadership roles face greater pressure to leverage AI for boosting efficiency and maintaining competitiveness.

Key Findings on AI Use at Work

• The share of American workers using AI at work at least a few times a year jumped from 21% to 40% in just two years.
• Frequent AI use rose from 11% to 19% since 2023.
• Daily AI use doubled from 4% to 8% over the past year.
• 15% of employees believe automation or AI could cause job losses within five years.
• 44% say their company has started implementing AI, but only 22% have been informed of a clear strategy.
• Just 30% report their company has formal AI guidelines or policies.
• Only 16% of AI users strongly agree that company-provided AI tools are useful for their tasks.

Where AI Is Most Commonly Used

The rise in AI use is mainly seen in jobs that involve mental tasks. Currently, 27% of workers frequently use AI, up 12% from last year. Technology workers top the list with 50% using AI regularly, followed by professional services at 34% and finance at 32%. Manufacturing, however, saw a slight decline from 11% to 9%.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite fears about job displacement, concern over AI-driven job loss has not increased recently. Workers in technology, retail, and finance are more likely to expect AI to eventually replace their roles.

The biggest hurdle for AI adoption appears to be unclear use cases and value propositions. Many companies have yet to provide employees with clear guidance on how AI fits into their work.

Gallup’s report also found a strong link between communication and confidence in AI: employees who feel management has shared a clear AI plan are three times more likely to feel prepared and 2.6 times more comfortable using AI at work.

Potential Downsides of Frequent AI Use

New research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology highlights mental and physical risks linked to regular AI use. Workers who interact frequently with AI report higher rates of loneliness, insomnia, and increased alcohol consumption. This suggests that heavy reliance on AI may reduce meaningful human contact, even when employees are physically present in the workplace.

What This Means for Managers

As a manager, your role in adopting AI goes beyond personal use. Clear communication about AI strategies and guidelines can significantly improve your team’s comfort and preparedness with these tools. Encouraging responsible AI adoption while addressing concerns can help maintain morale and productivity.

Training and structured policies will be crucial as AI becomes more integrated into daily workflows. For those looking to build AI knowledge and skills, resources like Complete AI Training's latest courses offer practical learning tailored for professionals.

Ultimately, managers who actively engage with AI and set clear expectations can better navigate its impact on their teams and maintain a competitive edge.