Employees Left Behind in Workplace AI Boom, New WalkMe Survey Finds

Core Insights - The AI revolution in the workplace is advancing, but employees are often left to navigate it without adequate support, leading to risks and wasted ROI [1][2][3] Group 1: Employee Usage and Perception - 78% of employees use AI tools not approved by their employer, with over half (51%) reporting conflicting guidance on AI usage [2] - 80% of employees believe AI improves productivity, yet nearly 60% find it often takes longer to learn to use AI than to complete tasks manually [3] - Cultural confusion exists, with 45% of workers pretending to understand AI tools in meetings, and 49% claiming not to use AI to avoid judgment [4] Group 2: Training and ROI Impact - Only 7.5% of employees have received extensive AI training, while 23% report receiving no training at all, leading to significant financial losses [5] - Companies lost an average of $104 million in 2024 due to underused tools and poor rollout, highlighting the importance of training and support [5][6] Group 3: Governance and Strategic Opportunities - The widespread use of shadow AI tools indicates a governance crisis, with organizations losing control and missing opportunities to empower employees [4] - Companies that invest in AI-ready skills and digital adoption strategies are positioned to lead in the evolving work landscape [6]