Full Breakdown
The Complicated Relationship Between Workers and AI
1/22/2026, 6:36:00 AM
Declining Confidence Amidst Rising Adoption
A recent study by ManpowerGroup, based on interviews with nearly 14,000 workers across 19 countries, reveals a troubling trend in the relationship between employees and artificial intelligence (AI). While regular AI usage among workers increased by 13% in 2025, confidence in the technology's effectiveness plummeted by 18%. Mara Stefan, VP of global insights at ManpowerGroup, noted, “AI adoption is accelerating, but confidence is collapsing.” This decline in trust is particularly pronounced among older workers, with a 35% decrease in confidence among baby boomers and a 25% drop among Generation X.
The Training Gap
Despite the enthusiasm of business leaders regarding AI's potential to enhance productivity, a significant training void exists. The study found that 56% of workers globally reported receiving no recent skills development, even as AI adoption becomes more prevalent in workplaces. This lack of training is contributing to employee burnout, with 63% of workers citing fatigue driven by stress and heavy workloads. The disconnect between AI adoption and adequate training may explain why only 10% to 12% of companies report seeing tangible benefits from AI, while 56% claim to have gained nothing from it.
Industry Responses and Initiatives
In response to these challenges, some companies, including IBM and Accenture, have initiated internal “AI academies” aimed at retraining staff. These programs are designed to alleviate fears surrounding AI and enhance employee engagement. However, many organizations have yet to implement such support systems, leaving workers feeling anxious and unsupported in the face of increasing automation.
Worker Sentiment and Job Security
The anxiety surrounding AI has led to a phenomenon termed “job hugging,” where 64% of surveyed workers choose to remain in their current roles despite experiencing burnout. This contrasts sharply with the Great Resignation, indicating a shift in worker sentiment driven by fears of automation. As Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, pointed out, the relationship between workers and AI can resemble a toxic partnership when AI adoption is not accompanied by investment in professional development.
Broader Implications for AI Adoption
Nadella has emphasized the necessity for AI to demonstrate tangible benefits in critical sectors such as health and education to maintain public support. He warned that if AI does not improve outcomes, it risks losing credibility. Despite the potential for AI to drive global economic growth, skepticism remains prevalent, with a report indicating that 95% of organizations have not achieved significant returns on their AI investments.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As AI continues to evolve, the onus is on employers to bridge the skills gap and invest in workforce training. Without addressing these concerns, the promising potential of AI may be overshadowed by a growing mistrust among workers. As Stefan succinctly stated, “People aren’t afraid of AI, but they are afraid of being left behind by it.”
