Cornerstone OnDemand, a leader in workforce agility solutions, has released a new study examining employee behaviors, attitudes, and disclosure patterns related to workplace AI usage. The findings reveal a striking pattern: although AI is deeply embedded in daily work routines—used by 80% of workers in both the U.S. and U.K.—most employees are using it quietly and without formal support.

The study shows that a majority of workers are reluctant to disclose their AI use. In the U.S., 57% of employees prefer not to tell their manager or colleagues, while in the U.K., the silence is even greater at 81%. Only 54% of U.S. workers openly discuss AI use with senior colleagues. Despite this reluctance, employees are not embarrassed or fearful. Seventy-six percent of U.S. workers and 38% of U.K. workers report they never feel embarrassed using AI at work. More importantly, most feel some level of organizational encouragement: 64% of U.S. workers and 62% of U.K. workers say they are encouraged to use AI.

However, the report highlights a clear gap between encouragement and enablement. Workers cite inadequate training and guidance as the biggest reason for staying silent. Only 44% of U.S. employees have received any AI training or tools, and just 16% receive training often. In the U.K., 51% have never or rarely received AI training. Employees across both regions want more support—65% of U.S. workers and 65% of U.K. workers say they want AI training to build skills and confidence.

“Both organizations and individuals are eager to capitalize on the efficiencies that AI can offer, however, heavy investment in AI tools alone is not the answer,” said Mike Bollinger, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Cornerstone. “Training and governance systems are critical to success. This survey validates employees’ desire for training, particularly around AI, and highlights the misalignment in how resources are currently distributed.”

Additional Key Findings

  • Roughly 73% of AI users on average do not regularly disclose their use to managers or colleagues.
  • Only 33% of employees report that they are often or always encouraged to use AI at work.
  • In the U.K., 51% have never or rarely received AI training; only 8% always receive it.
  • In the U.S., 33% of workers encouraged to use AI do not receive corresponding training.
  • A significant training gap exists in the U.K.: 16% of employees earning £15,000 or less receive AI training often, compared to 47% of those earning £55,001 or more.

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