Key findings:
- 59% of workers use AI at least daily
- 56% pay out of their own pockets for more powerful AI tools at work, averaging $68 monthly
- 67% feel energized by integrating AI into their workflow
- 9% say AI has damaged their sense of self-worth at work
- 75% are expected to use AI officially
- 22% feel pressured to use AI in situations they’re unsure about
- 16% of professionals sometimes pretend to use AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the white collar workspace as daily updates provide opportunities to optimize. However, potential does not always lead to smooth implementation.
To learn how workers are using AI at work, we surveyed over 1,000 full-time professionals nationwide who say they use AI.
75% of workers are officially or unofficially expected to use AI at work
Among workers who use AI, the vast majority are expected by their employer to use it in some capacity.
- 51% are officially expected to use AI
- 24% are unofficially expected to use AI
Of professionals expected to use AI, 25% received no training. A similar number received formal training, and a third were given dedicated time to learn AI.
Overall, 92% of workers agree with the approach their leadership is taking regarding AI. However, 22% feel pressured to use AI in situations that they aren’t comfortable with. Rather than push back, 16% pretend to use AI.
Those who use AI use it all the time
Workers who use AI don’t use it infrequently. Instead, it’s become their right hand.
How often workers use AI:
- 13% all the time
- 46% daily
- 25% a few times a week
- 5% weekly
- 11% less than weekly
84% of workers feel more productive using AI, and 71% say they know how to use AI efficiently. 16% say they know how to use the tech "somewhat."
AI use is so ubiquitous that many workers are taking things into their own hands. 56% pay out of pocket for higher-powered AI tools, averaging $68 monthly.
69% report increased job satisfaction thanks to AI
Over two-thirds of workers feel energized by integrating AI into their workflow. This enthusiasm carries through into overall well-being: 72% report being less burned out due to AI and 74% have less workplace stress. This translates to a 69% increase in overall job satisfaction. Only 5% claimed AI burnout.
Does AI isolate people? Not according to our survey respondents. 31% say they feel less lonely due to AI and 25% collaborate more. In previous research, we learned that some workers even consider AI a friend.
On the other hand, many professionals report struggling to keep up with the new tech. 1 in 4 employees "often” or "always" feel overwhelmed with AI developments. 33% say that learning, using, and checking AI takes as much time as their former approach to work. 9% report that AI has damaged their sense of self-worth in their jobs.
Is using AI worth it? 83% say yes.
83% of respondents agree AI is worth the investment. 66% cite increased capacity for problem solving and creativity at work.
AI in the workplace is ever evolving. In this brave new AI-powered future, professionals are excited, engaged, and slightly overwhelmed.
Ready to hire AI-enabled talent? Let’s talk about how Howdy.com trains engineers, designers, product managers, and more to use AI from day one in a free demo.
Methodology & fair use
In June 2025, we surveyed 1047 full-time workers. 50% were men, 49% were women, and 1% were either nonbinary or did not say. Ages ranged from 18-75 with an average age of 36. 30% self-identified as managers.
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Fair use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Howdy.com.