Gallup Poll Reveals Divergent Views on AI in American Workplaces

Some workers embrace AI for productivity, while others remain skeptical and avoid using it

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:41pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a futuristic, illuminated control panel or data center infrastructure, representing the digital transformation of the modern workplace. The panel features recognizable tech elements like circuit boards, fiber optic cables, and pulsing lights in a palette of neon cyan and magenta, conceptually illustrating the complex and uneven impact of AI on the American workforce.As AI reshapes American workplaces, the technology's uneven adoption and impact on productivity and job security is a growing concern for workers.Baton Rouge Today

A new Gallup poll finds that while more American workers are using artificial intelligence (AI) frequently in their jobs, skepticism about the technology's impact remains widespread. The survey points to a divergence in how AI is reshaping workplaces, with some employees seeing significant productivity gains, while others express ethical concerns, data privacy worries, or a preference for traditional work methods. The poll also shows a rise in workers' fears that new technologies could eliminate their jobs in the coming years.

Why it matters

This poll highlights the complex and uneven adoption of AI in the American workforce. As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, understanding the factors that drive both acceptance and resistance to the technology is crucial for employers, policymakers, and workers to navigate the ongoing transformation of the job market.

The details

The Gallup poll found that roughly 3 in 10 employees are frequent users of AI in their jobs, using it daily or a few times a week. About 2 in 10 are infrequent users, utilizing AI tools a few times a month or a year. Among workers using AI, around two-thirds say the technology has had an 'extremely' or 'somewhat' positive impact on their individual productivity and efficiency. However, the benefits appear to be greater for workers in managerial, healthcare, and technology roles compared to those in service jobs. Even when companies make AI tools available, about half of U.S. employees use them only once a year or not at all. The top reasons cited by non-users include a preference for traditional work methods, ethical opposition to AI, data privacy concerns, and a belief that AI is not helpful for their specific job duties.

  • The Gallup poll was conducted in February 2026.
  • A Fox News poll on AI's impact on jobs was conducted in March 2026.

The players

Scott Segal

A 53-year-old social worker in northern Virginia who regularly uses AI to help connect his elderly and vulnerable patients to healthcare resources, but is also concerned that AI could eventually replace his job.

Elizabeth Bloch

A labor and employment attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who uses ChatGPT to help draft diplomatic letters and emails, but is worried about the technology's tendency to 'hallucinate' or provide false information, which could lead to legal issues.

Thuy Pisone

A contract administrator in Maryland for a company that works with the federal government, who uses AI weekly for mundane tasks but has avoided it for things she can already do well on her own, such as creating PowerPoint presentations.

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What they’re saying

“I'm planning ahead. I think everyone who works in a replaceable field or trade should be planning ahead.”

— Scott Segal, Social Worker

“I have heard from my colleagues that we could use AI to put together our PowerPoint slides. I'm a little biased in that, well, I could put my own PowerPoints together. I don't need help because it took me time to hone up my skill.”

— Thuy Pisone, Contract Administrator

“I do believe that AI is going to displace most people's employment functions and I question what people will do for livelihood at that point.”

— Scott Segal, Social Worker

What’s next

As the adoption of AI in the workplace continues to evolve, further research and dialogue will be needed to address workers' concerns, ensure ethical implementation of the technology, and help prepare the workforce for the changes ahead.

The takeaway

This Gallup poll highlights the complex and uneven impact of AI on American workplaces, with some employees embracing the technology for productivity gains while others remain skeptical or actively avoid using it. As AI becomes more prevalent, understanding the factors driving both acceptance and resistance will be crucial for navigating the ongoing transformation of the job market.