Artificial intelligence is reshaping how employees collaborate, offering powerful boosts to productivity while simultaneously raising concerns about the future of teamwork. New survey data reveals that although many employers welcome AI’s efficiency, more than half worry it may ultimately diminish human interaction and cooperation.

According to a recent survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll, U.S. hiring decision-makers see several clear benefits of AI in the workplace:

  • 73% say AI has increased productivity for teams working together.
  • 72% report it has made real-time collaboration easier.
  • 65% say it has boosted team collaboration frequency.
  • 65% believe it encourages more peer-to-peer outreach.

Job seekers working in AI-enabled environments echoed this sentiment:

  • 68% say AI improves team productivity.
  • 63% find real-time collaboration easier with AI tools.
  • 60% are more likely to ask coworkers for assistance.

Examples of AI-enhanced collaboration include automatic meeting summaries, action-item tracking, relevant document suggestions, faster idea evaluation, and live translation tools that support multilingual teams. These advancements are helping reduce operational friction while keeping employees aligned.

Growing Concerns About AI’s Impact on Human Skills

Despite its advantages, AI’s expanding role is sparking uncertainty. The survey shows:

  • 86% of hiring managers feel uneasy about AI in the workplace.
  • 43% fear AI may reduce creativity.
  • 41% worry communication may decline.
  • 39% think problem-solving skills could erode.
  • 55% believe AI may eventually replace the need for collaboration entirely.

These concerns are supported by behavioral trends: 81% of hiring managers at AI-enabled companies say employees sometimes rely on AI instead of reaching out to coworkers, and 35% say it happens often. Among job seekers, 37% admit they frequently do the same.

Long-term fears are rising, too—60% of job seekers believe AI will eliminate the need to share ideas, and 48% predict teamwork itself could vanish within five years.

“Collaboration remains the foundation of successful teams,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “AI can help by removing repetitive tasks and clearing roadblocks, but it should never replace the creativity and trust that come from people working together.”

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 2–28, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted June 12–27, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. adults. For full methodology details or media inquiries, contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com.

For more insights on workforce innovation, HR technology, and employee experience trends, visit HRtech360Hub News.