A new survey reveals a significant gap between the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace and the readiness of both companies and their employees to use it effectively. While 72% of U.S. hiring managers report their company now uses AI, a majority (55%) admit their organization lacks the resources or training to help employees use it properly, a concern shared by 54% of job seekers.
Quick Intel
72% of U.S. hiring managers confirm their company uses AI, up from 66% last year.
55% of companies lack the resources or training for effective AI implementation.
76% of hiring managers and 75% of job seekers believe AI training is essential for success.
64% of job seekers worry AI will significantly limit job opportunities.
Nearly half (47%) of employees fear their job could be eliminated by AI.
Despite fears, most job seekers use AI for resumes (82%) and other job-hunting tasks.
The AI Adoption and Readiness Gap
The drive for productivity has accelerated AI integration, with 34% of companies now using it regularly, a notable increase from 25% the previous year. A strong consensus exists on the need for training, with 76% of hiring decision-makers agreeing it is essential for success. However, the widespread lack of current resources highlights a critical vulnerability as businesses race to adopt new technology without fully equipping their workforce.
Workforce Anxiety and Perceived Risks
Employee anxiety about AI's impact is pervasive. Nearly two-thirds of job seekers (64%) worry that AI will limit job opportunities, and 47% fear outright job elimination. These concerns are heightened among Gen Z (74%) and lower-income workers (70%). Beyond job security, workers fear a degradation of crucial skills, with significant percentages worrying about losses in creativity (37%), problem-solving (36%), and collaboration (32%) as AI use increases.
Job Seekers Adopt AI Amid Concerns
Despite these deep-seated fears, job seekers are pragmatically turning to AI tools to gain a competitive edge. A large majority find it appropriate to use generative AI for key steps in their job search, including drafting resumes and cover letters (82%), creating professional headshots (69%), and even answering interview questions in real time (53%).
Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, stated, "AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, but success isn't measured by speed alone. It's about balance. The key is to harness AI efficiently while preserving the human qualities that drive creativity, judgment and collaboration. Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it."
The survey data paints a clear picture of a modern workforce at a crossroads: enthusiastically adopting AI's benefits while nervously navigating its potential to disrupt careers and reshape fundamental workplace skills, all against a backdrop of insufficient organizational support.
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