Nearly Half of U.S. Workers Now Using AI at Work—But Readiness Gaps Threaten Competitive Advantage, New Study Finds
Survey of 50,000+ U.S. workers reveals widespread AI adoption alongside concerns about job security, trust, and organizational preparedness as companies race to integrate generative AI.
New York, NY — Nearly half (46%) of U.S. workers now use generative AI for work at least once a month, with one quarter using it multiple times daily, according to new research from idealis., a research-backed leadership advisory firm. While adoption is accelerating rapidly, the study reveals stark divides in who is ready for AI—and which organizations are positioned to succeed.
The finding highlights a critical inflection point: AI is no longer experimental, but most companies lack the policies, training, and cultural foundations needed to sustain both performance and trust during this transformation.
Key Findings:
Adoption is uneven: Younger workers (74% of those aged 18-24), workers of color, and those in education, financial services, and healthcare lead adoption. Older workers, white workers, and those in construction and trades lag significantly behind.
Trust and concern: While positive sentiment toward AI has risen 12 points since 2023 (to 43%), 70% of AI users express concern about job security—compared to just 43% of non-users. Fear correlates with exposure, not actual risk.
Productivity gains, quality concerns: 48% of workers expect AI to increase productivity for routine tasks, but 31% believe it will decrease their ability to deliver high-quality work without mistakes.
Leadership matters: Leaders are 14 points more likely than non-leaders to report productivity gains from AI, and 12 points more optimistic about its impact on communication and quality.
Policy gap: Only 35% of workers say their company has clear AI usage guidelines. Those in organizations with guidelines report 13 points higher engagement and are far more likely to have access to skill development.
"AI adoption is happening whether organizations are ready or not," said Dr. Sumona De Graaf, Founder and CEO of idealis. "What separates companies that will thrive from those that will struggle isn't the technology—it's whether leaders can build the trust, transparency, and capability that make AI adoption sustainable."
Prior to founding idealis., De Graaf served as Chief Human Resources Officer of a Fortune 300 company, where she led talent strategy and organizational transformation through periods of rapid technological change.
"The paradox we're seeing is that AI users are more productive but less happy, more trusting of companies but more worried about their jobs," said De Graaf. "That tension won't resolve itself. Leaders need to pair AI deployment with clear governance, role-specific training, and a culture that treats AI as augmented intelligence—not artificial replacement."
The research was conducted in partnership with CivicScience using its nationally representative survey platform, with demographics matching U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics workforce data.
The full report is available by request.
About idealis. idealis. is a research-backed leadership advisory firm that helps organizations navigate moments of change with clarity, trust, and performance.
Media Contact: media@idealisadvisory.com +1 (602) 492-3883
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