AI is on the rise, becoming a big part of everyday life. While many companies are embracing AI tools to make work easier, many employees distrust AI use, especially in developed countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.
Data from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Flash Poll revealed how employees perceive AI and the common causes for distrust. New technology can be overwhelming for people, but when used correctly, it can make life easier for everyone involved. By looking at the data from Edelman’s webinar, we can better understand employee perspectives, which can help individuals come around to the idea of AI as a helpful tool.
Why Do Employees Distrust AI?
There are lots of reasons why people are uneasy about the rise of AI, but when it comes to the workplace, there are a few specific areas of concern. Understanding these reasons for distrust can help companies work with employees to find the best way to handle AI for work projects.
Only Trust Those Close to Them
Trust is something that needs to be earned. Since many employees aren’t comfortable and familiar with AI use yet, they can’t fully trust it. Many people, especially those in the U.S., worry about how their data is used and protected when it comes to AI.
Whether or not someone trusts AI is also linked to if they support AI. Edelman’s research shows that people trust those they’re close to, such as friends and family, to tell them the truth about AI much more than CEOs and government leaders.
Fear of Job Loss
Some businesses use AI to replace humans, causing employees to fear that it will happen at their own company. In the U.S., UK, Germany, and Brazil, over half of those surveyed believe it’s more likely for business leaders to be dishonest about job cuts than honest.
The fear of losing jobs to AI is especially prominent for low-income respondents. Across all the countries surveyed, 54% of low-income individuals believed people like them would be left behind rather than realize any real advantages of generative AI. This percentage decreases to 44% for middle income and 31% for high income. Again, the respondents in the U.S., UK, and Germany felt the most at risk.
Difficulties Keeping up with Change
Change is hard, so some people don’t know where to start when it comes to AI. Others simply don’t have the motivation to learn how to implement AI into their work routine. Older generations have the most distrust in AI, making them less likely to welcome it. Across all countries surveyed, only 40% of people over 55+ said they trust AI. 57% of people from ages 35 to 54 and 62% of people from ages 18 to 34 trust it.
How to Help Employees See AI in a Positive Light
When good employees reject AI tools that could greatly help productivity, things get tricky. With the right approaches, companies can help uncertain individuals have a more positive outlook on AI in their workplace.
Position AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
Since many employees fear that embracing AI will eventually cause the technology to replace them, it’s important to erase those fears. Businesses should emphasize how much they value their employees. They should make it clear that they’re using AI as an opportunity to make work easier for employees rather than having it do work for them.
Offer Training for New AI Technology
It’s easy to be hesitant about new technology when you have no idea how to use it. Employers can offer AI training to make the process as seamless as possible. By seeing exactly how to approach AI in a way that streamlines the work process, employees may be more open to using it. Clear training can also eliminate any uncertainty with how to use AI effectively in the workplace.
Openly Discuss Questions and Concerns
Employees value transparency, especially when it comes to major changes. Encourage open discussion about the changes to ensure the AI approach is effective for everyone involved. Oftentimes, concerns can be reduced simply by discussing the role of AI in detail with employees. Hearing positive experiences from fellow employees and gaining personal experiences with AI in the workplace can build trust.
AI Experts Can Help You Use New Technology to Your Advantage
Transitioning to AI can seem intimidating, but it’s life-changing for many brands. AI tools can make certain aspects faster and more convenient, which gives employees more time to focus on other areas of projects.
Not sure where to start? Avenue Z is an expert in AI technology. Contact us today to see how we can use AI to your company’s advantage without taking away from your employees’ hard work.
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