Artificial intelligence is becoming a standard workplace tool, but most employees say training has not kept pace with adoption, according to a recent survey
More than eight in 10 job seekers (83 per cent), said companies need to formally train employees on how to use AI rather than expecting them to learn on their own, according to the findings from Express Employment Professionals. Hiring managers share that view, with 86 per cent saying AI training should be a priority for employers.
The push for training comes as AI use accelerates across workplaces. The survey found that 79 per cent of companies now use AI, up from 66 per cent two years ago and 72 per cent in 2025. More than two in five organizations (43 per cent) report regular use. Among workers, 62 per cent said their employer uses AI, including 22 per cent who say it is already part of their daily workflow.
The rapid expansion is creating a gap between access and readiness. Among companies already using AI, 89 per cent of hiring managers said reliance on the technology has increased significantly over the past year, signalling a shift from experimentation to core operations. Adoption is highest among large organizations and white‑collar environments, where usage rates exceed 85 per cent.
At the same time, many employees are navigating AI tools with limited direction. While 78 per cent of hiring managers said their company has policies governing AI use, only 36 per cent of organizations provide a list of approved tools. Thirty‑eight per cent allow employees to use any tools they choose, and 21 per cent take a mixed approach, leaving many workers to determine how to apply AI on their own.
Despite the lack of structured training, employees are open to learning through AI. More than three‑quarters of job seekers said it is appropriate to use AI to build professional skills, and a similar share said they expect to pursue additional training as AI continues to evolve.
Workers also see potential benefits. Three-quarters said AI could help bridge skills gaps, while hiring managers largely agree that the tools are already in place to support training. Four in five (81 per cent) of managers said their organizations have the capability to train employees on AI‑driven workflows, suggesting the challenge lies more in execution than resources.
Employers are beginning to outline how training should evolve. Hiring managers pointed to on‑the‑job learning focused on working alongside AI, training in skills that AI cannot replace, and expanded apprenticeship or internship programs that include AI exposure as key approaches to preparing the workforce.
“AI adoption is moving faster than most organizational change ever has,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. “What this data shows is that companies have focused on getting the technology in place, but not enough on helping people use it effectively.”
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