TLDR: A recent survey reveals widespread apprehension among employees regarding the integration of AI in the workplace. Key concerns include the potential for skill degradation, increased job insecurity, reduced human interaction, and a perception that AI makes workers less capable. The study highlights a significant number of employees who believe they risk losing critical abilities due to over-reliance on AI, with some already feeling less capable and even preferring AI interactions over human ones.
A new survey conducted by Howdy in August 2025 among 1,007 full-time workers aged 19 to 77 has brought to light a growing sense of unease among employees concerning the pervasive impact of artificial intelligence in their professional lives. While a majority of respondents are already utilizing AI tools in some capacity, a substantial portion is questioning the broader consequences of this technological shift.
The research indicates that approximately one in four workers believe they are at risk of losing critical skills due to an excessive reliance on artificial intelligence. Furthermore, a fifth of those surveyed reported that AI technology already makes them feel less capable in their roles. A smaller, yet notable, group of around 10 percent admitted to relying entirely on AI to perform their job functions.
The study also delved into perceptions of digital literacy, revealing a disconnect between confidence and actual ability. Nearly two-thirds of respondents claimed they could identify AI-generated images, yet only one-third were successful in practice. Economic concerns are also prevalent, with 37 percent expressing worry that the rapid expansion of AI could lead to an economic bubble, and almost one in five doubting the long-term sustainability of their employer’s technology strategy. Job loss due to redundancy is a fear for another 19 percent of the workforce.
In response to these evolving workplace dynamics, employees are actively seeking ways to adapt. The survey found that 32 percent are proactively engaging in upskilling initiatives, and 17 percent are considering further education to remain competitive. The integration of AI is also reshaping workplace culture; 19 percent of employees confessed to concealing their use of AI from colleagues, while nearly one in five reported interacting more with artificial intelligence than with their human co-workers. A fifth even stated a preference for AI conversations over human ones. These figures are even higher among remote workers, with almost a third indicating more interaction with AI than with colleagues.
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Generational differences are also apparent in the findings. More than a quarter of Generation Z employees believe AI diminishes their intelligence, and 14 percent within this demographic rely entirely on AI for their roles. Almost half of Gen Z respondents feel that AI is becoming increasingly central to their daily lives.
