Many Employees Remain Skeptical of AI at Work Despite Adoption Increase

Gallup poll finds workers have ethical concerns, privacy worries, and prefer traditional methods over AI tools

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:18am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic data center or server farm, with intricate circuitry, pulsing neon lights, and a sense of technological complexity, conceptually representing the power and potential of AI infrastructure in the workplace.As AI becomes more embedded in the modern workplace, the technology's benefits must be balanced against growing employee skepticism and ethical concerns.Baton Rouge Today

A new Gallup poll finds that while more American workers are using artificial intelligence tools in their jobs, skepticism and resistance to AI remains widespread. About half of employees either use AI only once a year or not at all, with many citing a preference for traditional work methods, ethical opposition to the technology, and concerns about data privacy. The poll also shows growing fears that AI could eliminate jobs, with 18% of workers saying it's at least somewhat likely their current role will be replaced by new technology within five years.

Why it matters

As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, companies must navigate employee resistance and concerns in order to successfully implement the technology and realize its productivity benefits. The poll highlights the need for organizations to address worker fears, provide training, and demonstrate the value of AI tools to drive broader adoption.

The details

The Gallup poll found that roughly 3 in 10 employees are frequent users of AI, meaning they use it daily or a few times a week. About 2 in 10 are infrequent users, utilizing AI tools at work a few times a month or a few times a year. However, around half of U.S. workers use AI only once a year or not at all, even when their companies make the tools available. Among these non-users, 46% say it's because they prefer to keep doing their work the traditional way, while 40% report ethical opposition to AI, data privacy concerns, or a belief that it won't be helpful for their jobs.

  • The Gallup poll was conducted from February 4-19, 2026.

The players

Scott Segal

A 53-year-old social worker in northern Virginia who regularly uses AI to find information 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 letters and emails in a diplomatic way, but is worried about the technology's tendency to hallucinate or make up false information.

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.

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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 AI adoption continues to grow in the workplace, companies will need to focus on addressing employee concerns, providing training, and demonstrating the benefits of the technology to drive broader acceptance and utilization.

The takeaway

While AI is becoming more prevalent in American workplaces, many employees remain skeptical of the technology and resistant to using it, citing ethical concerns, privacy worries, and a preference for traditional work methods. This highlights the challenges companies face in successfully implementing AI tools and realizing their full productivity benefits.