A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals reveals a significant disconnect in the modern workplace: while AI adoption is skyrocketing, formal training is failing to keep pace. According to the data, 83% of job seekers believe companies should provide formal AI training rather than expecting employees to learn independently. Hiring managers largely agree, with 86% stating that AI training should be a top corporate priority.
Rapid Adoption: 79% of U.S. companies now use AI, up from 66% just two years ago.
The Readiness Gap: 89% of hiring managers report a significant increase in AI dependence, yet only 36% of companies provide a list of approved tools.
Employee Sentiment: 76% of job seekers feel it is appropriate to learn professional skills using AI.
Shadow AI Risk: 38% of companies allow employees to use any AI tools they are familiar with, leading to inconsistent workflows.
Productivity Potential: 75% of job seekers believe AI tools can help bridge existing skills gaps.
Top Training Requests: Employees and managers prioritize on-the-job training (44%) and training for skills AI cannot replace (40%).
The shift from AI being "optional" to "expected" has occurred with unprecedented speed. In the spring of 2025, adoption sat at 72%, climbing to nearly 80% by late 2025. This trend is most pronounced among large employers (91%) and white-collar organizations (87%). Despite this saturation, the survey suggests that many employees are navigating these powerful technologies without a clear roadmap or standardized toolset.
"AI adoption is moving faster than most organizational change ever has. Training is what determines whether AI becomes a source of real productivity or just another tool employees are left to navigate on their own." — Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International
While 78% of hiring managers say their companies have policies regulating AI, the actual guidance on how to use it is often lacking. The survey found that:
21% of companies use a confusing mix of approved and open-use tools.
38% offer no specific tool guidance, leaving employees to find their own solutions.
81% of hiring managers believe their company already possesses the necessary tools to train hires, suggesting the issue is a lack of follow-through rather than a lack of resources.
To bridge the gap, hiring managers recommend hands-on, employer-led approaches. This includes dedicated apprenticeships and internships that integrate AI (38%) and focusing on "AI-augmented" workflows where humans and technology work in tandem. By moving from simple measurement to targeted, formal instruction, organizations can ensure AI becomes a genuine driver of growth rather than a source of operational friction.
Express Employment Professionals is a leading international staffing franchise that has employed more than 11 million people since its inception. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company provides localized staffing solutions across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
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