.jpg)
Artificial intelligence has rapidly become embedded in the modern workplace, but its adoption is largely happening in the shadows. A new study from Cornerstone OnDemand reveals that while 80% of U.S. and U.K. workers use AI for their jobs, the majority are reluctant to disclose this usage to managers or colleagues. This hidden AI economy persists not due to fear or embarrassment, but primarily because of a widespread lack of formal training and guidance from employers.
80% of U.S. and U.K. workers use AI in their jobs.
57% of U.S. and 81% of U.K. workers are reluctant to disclose AI use.
Only 44% of U.S. employees have received any AI training.
65% of workers want training to build AI skills and confidence.
The hidden usage stems from lack of guidance, not fear or embarrassment.
There's a significant training gap between high and low-income workers.
The Hidden AI Economy
The data reveals a significant disconnect between AI adoption and transparency. On average, 73% of AI users do not always disclose their usage to managers or colleagues. This silence is notable given that 64% of U.S. employees and 62% of U.K. employees report being encouraged to use AI at work. However, only 33% of employees say they are "often" or "always" encouraged, and the support rarely includes the necessary training to use AI effectively and confidently.
The study identifies the lack of structured training as the primary barrier to open AI adoption. Only 44% of U.S. employees have received AI training and tools, with a mere 16% receiving training often. The situation is more pronounced in the U.K., where 51% of employees have never or rarely received AI training. This gap creates a workforce that uses AI but lacks the confidence or permission to do so openly. The demand for guidance is clear, with 65% of workers in both regions explicitly wanting training to build their AI skills and confidence.
Mike Bollinger, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Cornerstone, commented on the findings, stating, “Both organizations and individuals are eager to capitalize on the efficiencies that AI can offer, however, heavy investment in AI tools alone are not the answer, as training and governance systems are critical to success. This survey validates employees’ desires for training, particularly on AI, but shows significant discrepancies on who is receiving it and the key alignments that need to take place across an organization.”
The research also uncovered economic disparities in training access. In the U.K., a significant pay gap exists: only 16% of those earning £15,000 or less often receive AI training, compared to 47% of those earning £55,001 or more. This suggests that higher-paid knowledge workers are receiving disproportionately more support to leverage AI, potentially widening existing skill gaps within organizations.
The study underscores a pivotal moment for business leaders. While investment in AI tools is widespread, the lack of parallel investment in training and governance is creating a culture of silent, unoptimized AI use that limits both organizational oversight and the potential for scalable innovation.
About the Study
The U.S. survey was conducted via Dynata and polled 1,000 general U.S.-based consumers over 18 years of age in October 2025. Respondents were segmented by employment status and analyzed across age groups, gender, marital status, having children and household income. The U.K. research was conducted by Censuswide, targeting a sample of 2,000 U.K. employees in October 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. For complete survey methodology, please email cornerstone@pancomm.com.
About Cornerstone
Cornerstone powers the potential of organizations and their people to thrive in a changing world. Cornerstone Galaxy, the complete AI-powered workforce agility platform, meets organizations where they are. With Galaxy, organizations can identify skills gaps and development opportunities, retain and engage top talent, and provide multimodal learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of the modern workforce. Approximately 7,000 organizations and 140 million users in 180+ countries use Cornerstone Galaxy to build high-performing, future-ready organizations and people today.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.