AI or Bye: Execs and some employees seek career-critical roles at companies adopting artificial intelligence

A significant gap is emerging between organizations’ AI adoption strategies and their employees’ expectations, creating workplace tension as companies struggle to integrate generative AI effectively. New research from Writer reveals that while professionals overwhelmingly want to use AI tools to enhance their productivity, many organizations lack clear implementation plans and face interdepartmental power struggles. This disconnect could impact talent retention and organizational competitiveness as workers increasingly view AI proficiency as essential in their career decisions.

The big picture: Employees and executives are aligned on wanting AI in the workplace, but organizations are struggling to deliver effective implementation strategies.

• The research surveyed 1,600 U.S. knowledge workers, evenly split between C-suite executives and employees.
• A striking 97% of executives and 81% of employees would prefer working for companies leading in generative AI adoption.
• Many professionals are voting with their feet – 59% of executives and 35% of employees are actively seeking new jobs at more AI-innovative companies.

Talent implications: AI capabilities are becoming a critical factor in job selection and retention.

• Nearly 60% of executives and 45% of employees report they wouldn’t consider working for a company not using generative AI.
• An overwhelming 96% of executives and 84% of employees expect their employers to provide AI training.
• These expectations signal that AI proficiency is rapidly becoming table stakes for employer attractiveness.

How AI is being utilized: Professionals are applying AI across diverse business functions to improve efficiency and decision-making.

• Primary applications include data analysis, customer support, knowledge management, and automating both complex and repetitive tasks.
• Content generation, personalized communication, editing, brainstorming, and forecasting round out the top use cases.

Implementation hurdles: Organizations face multiple roadblocks in their AI integration efforts.

• Power struggles between IT departments and other business units are creating organizational friction.
• Many companies lack a coherent AI strategy and struggle to demonstrate clear return on investment.
• Some employees are circumventing organizational barriers by paying for AI tools out of pocket.
• Fear of job displacement continues to hamper adoption in some organizations.

Path forward: The research suggests three key approaches for organizations looking to resolve the AI implementation disconnect.

• Developing and investing in a formal generative AI plan with clear objectives and metrics.
• Identifying and supporting internal AI champions who can drive adoption across departments.
• Selecting vendor partners who provide comprehensive support beyond just the AI tools themselves.