Only 1 in 5 workers say their employer monitors their AI usage

Among U.S. desk workers who use artificial intelligence tools at work, only 22% say their employer actively monitors their AI usage, according to an Aug. 20 report from EisnerAmper, a business advisory firm.

Although 80% of employees reported an overall positive experience using AI at work, only 36% said their company has a formal AI policy, and 28% said they’d use AI even if it were banned at work.

“These results point to a communication gap between employers and employees,” Jen Clark, director of technology enablement at EisnerAmper, said in a news release. “Employees are citing a lack of oversight, and employers now have a valuable opportunity to not only establish a comprehensive AI strategy but also to communicate it effectively to their teams.”

In a survey of more than 1,000 workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher who have used AI in the last year, 68% said they regularly find mistakes with the technology. Even so, 82% said they’re confident about accurate and satisfactory responses from AI.

For the most part, workers said they’re saving time by using AI, and 64% claim they’re using that time to do more at work. 

However, employees also said they’re using that time for personal reasons, such as taking a walk (19%) or going to lunch (16%).

As AI grows across workplaces, 74% said a worker should be compensated for their AI job experience.

“Employees are rapidly integrating AI into their daily tasks. But without a deliberate employer strategy regarding transparency and communication, companies risk losing momentum in innovation,” Mary Rizzuti, practice lead of compensation resources at EisnerAmper, said in a statement. “It’s crucial that HR business partners equip employees with the right tools, training and policies to integrate AI responsibly and effectively.”

Notably, the highest adopters of AI in human resources include wholesale trade (33%) and restaurants, travel and lodging (25%).

Only 20% of workers said AI was used during their onboarding but among those, 92% said it positively influenced their feelings about the company. 

However, when it comes to AI usage in performance reviews, about a third say they see a positive impact and another third see a negative one.