A new survey from Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll reveals a complex dual narrative surrounding AI in the workplace. While a significant majority of hiring managers and job seekers report that AI has tangibly improved collaboration and productivity, underlying concerns are growing that these tools may eventually replace the need for human teamwork altogether. This data highlights the delicate balance organizations must strike between leveraging AI for efficiency and preserving the core human elements of creativity and connection.
Quick Intel
73% of hiring managers say AI has made employees more productive together.
72% report AI has improved the ease of real-time collaboration.
86% of hiring managers express unease about AI's growing workplace role.
55% fear AI could eventually replace the need for collaboration.
81% believe employees sometimes rely on AI instead of coworkers for help.
60% of job seekers fear AI will eliminate the need to share ideas.
The survey data underscores the positive impact AI is currently having on how employees work together. A strong majority of hiring decision-makers report that AI has improved collaborative productivity (73%), made real-time collaboration easier (72%), and increased the frequency of teamwork and outreach among coworkers (65%). Job seekers at companies using AI echo these sentiments, with 68% agreeing it improves team productivity. These benefits are realized through tools that provide meeting summaries, track action items, and offer real-time translation, which reduce friction and keep teams aligned.
Despite the reported benefits, a strong undercurrent of concern exists. The vast majority of hiring managers (86%) are uneasy about AI's role, with specific worries about diminished creativity (43%), reduced communication between employees (41%), and a decline in problem-solving skills (39%). Most notably, over half (55%) are concerned that AI could replace the need for collaboration entirely. These fears are substantiated by data showing that 81% of managers see employees relying on AI instead of reaching out to coworkers, a behavior 37% of job seekers admit to.
According to Express Employment's leadership, the key is to use AI as a tool to augment, not replace, human interaction. "Collaboration remains the foundation of successful teams," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. "AI can help by removing repetitive tasks and clearing roadblocks, but it should never replace the creativity and trust that come from people working together. The real opportunity is learning how to use these tools to strengthen, not sideline, human connections."
The initial data confirms AI as a powerful tool for enhancing operational aspects of collaboration. However, the survey signals a critical warning about its potential long-term effects on teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. The challenge for organizations will be to implement AI in a way that streamlines processes and amplifies human potential without eroding the essential, trust-based relationships that drive true innovation and business success.=
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