Many Employees Remain Skeptical of AI at Work, Gallup Poll Finds

Despite productivity boosts for some, nearly half of workers avoid using AI tools available to them

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:20am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex network of illuminated wires, circuits, and data flows, representing the digital infrastructure and AI-powered tools being integrated into the modern workplace. The image conveys a sense of both the power and the uncertainty surrounding the increasing use of AI in business operations.As AI adoption grows in the workplace, the integration of digital tools and infrastructure raises both excitement and unease among employees.Baton Rouge Today

A new Gallup poll reveals that while more American workers are experimenting with artificial intelligence in their jobs, a significant cohort of employees remain skeptical of the technology. About half of U.S. employees use AI only once a year or not at all, with many preferring to stick to their current work methods or expressing ethical concerns about AI. The poll also found growing worries among workers that new technologies could eliminate their jobs in the coming years.

Why it matters

As AI adoption continues to rise in the workplace, understanding employee attitudes and concerns is crucial for companies looking to effectively implement the technology. The poll findings suggest that despite productivity gains for some, many workers are still hesitant to embrace AI, highlighting the need for organizations to address employee skepticism and provide proper training and support.

The details

The Gallup poll found that roughly 3 in 10 employees are frequent users of AI in their jobs, while about 2 in 10 are infrequent users. Around 4 in 10 workers say their organization has adopted AI tools or technology, and two-thirds of those employees say AI has had a positive impact on their individual productivity and efficiency. Workers in managerial, healthcare, and technology roles are more likely to report productivity boosts from AI compared to those in service jobs. However, about half of U.S. employees use AI only once a year or not at all, with many preferring to stick to their current work methods or expressing ethical concerns about the technology. Some workers, like legal professional Elizabeth Bloch, have also found AI tools to be prone to errors, leading to concerns about their reliability.

  • The Gallup poll was conducted in 2026.
  • A Fox News poll on AI's impact on jobs was conducted in March 2025.

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 planning ahead as he believes AI could soon replace him in his field.

Elizabeth Bloch

A labor and employment attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who uses ChatGPT to help draft diplomatic letters and emails, but has found the AI tool to be prone to making up false information, leading to concerns about its reliability in legal work.

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 using 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'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

What’s next

As AI adoption continues to rise in the workplace, companies will need to address employee skepticism and provide proper training and support to ensure successful implementation of the technology.

The takeaway

The Gallup poll findings highlight the need for organizations to carefully navigate the adoption of AI in the workplace, balancing productivity gains with employee concerns over job security, data privacy, and the reliability of the technology. Effective change management and open communication will be crucial as AI becomes more prevalent in the modern workforce.