New Data: 41% Of Gen Z Workers Are Sabotaging Their Employer’s AI Strategy
AI adoption is not coming easily to most companies, according to new data from Writer, the enterprise generative AI platform. Seventy-two percent of executives report that their organizations are struggling to integrate the new technology. Forty-two percent admit that adopting generative AI is tearing their company apart and has created massive power struggles.
The struggles are due in large part to a lack of alignment and collaboration, which have led to a confusing jumble of point solutions.
“Let's face it, AI adoption is a bit like herding cats—everyone's moving in different directions, and it's causing a lot of friction,” says Kevin Chung, Chief Strategy Officer at Writer. “And let's not forget how difficult it is to make change management stick. Employees are often left to fend for themselves, feeling unsupported and unsure about these new tools.”
Any technology with such profound and wide-ranging impacts as gen AI is going to cause disruption, but is this level of struggle to be expected? Not according to Chung. “This friction isn't a necessary ‘growing pain,’” he says. “It's a problem companies can tackle head-on. How? By getting serious about their AI strategy.”
Chung and I connected recently to dig into the data his team uncovered in their research—and what it means for the future of AI. Bottom line: AI is here to stay, but your AI drama doesn’t have to be.
Siloed AI
When asked if their company’s AI applications are being created in isolation, 71% of C-suite executives said yes. “IT teams are often operating in their own bubbles, completely separate from other lines of business and the employees who will be using these tools,” says Chung.
So why not let the tech experts develop the solutions that the whole organization will use? “First, it leads to a disjointed approach, like a basketball team trying to execute down the stretch without a coach, a captain, or a playbook,” says Chung. “Second, a lack of alignment starts to erode trust across teams and departments. Power struggles become the norm, which is an immediate ‘adoption-killer.’”
While companies undergo internal turmoil over AI, they can’t capitalize on the full potential of this tool. “Siloed solutions may not integrate smoothly into the organization's workflows, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities,” says Chung. “In the long run, this siloed approach can undermine the entire AI strategy, making it harder to achieve the transformative impact that AI promises.
“It's not just about having the technology; it's about using it effectively and collaboratively.”
Where’s the ROI?
Another reason companies struggle with AI implementation is that the ROI feels so far away. According to the study, 62% of executives believe it will take at least three years to see a return on their AI investments. “That's a long wait, especially when you consider that more than 1 out of 3 executives report that AI adoption has been a disappointment,” says Chung.
In fact, for many organizations the ROI thus far has been negative in terms of employee relations. “Employee retaliation and a lack of trust are also significant issues,” notes Chung.
This has led to 35% of employees paying for their own AI tools to use at work—which is a major red flag. “It's a clear sign that employees are not satisfied with the quality of the AI tools provided by their employers or sanctioned by IT,” says Chung. “Not only does this put a financial burden on employees, but it also opens a Pandora's box of security risks.
“The use of non-approved tools can lead to data breaches and other security vulnerabilities, which can further complicate the ROI of AI investments.”
Chung points to the deeper issue underscored by this data: a lack of support and alignment from leadership. With 49% of employees reporting that they’ve been left to figure out generative AI on their own, it’s little wonder that they’re turning to their own solutions.
“It's a clear indication that the company's AI strategy is failing,” says Chung. “They need to get our act together and provide the right tools, training, and support to ensure that their AI investments pay off.”
Sabotaging AI
The AI drama many organizations face sometimes goes beyond mere skepticism to outright sabotage. Fully 31% of employees admit they’re actively working against their company’s AI initiatives (a number that rises to 41% for Gen Z workers).
“Why? It's a cocktail of fears and frustrations,” says Chung, who says employees may fear that AI will diminish their value, creativity or job security. “They may also be concerned about AI being biased and unethical. Add to that the perception that the company's AI strategy is poorly executed, and you've got a recipe for resistance.”
Additionally, 24% of employees believe AI is adding to their workload and 28% are unhappy with the quality of the AI tools provided. “These concerns are not just noise; they're real and impacting the success of AI initiatives,” says Chung.
So, what can leaders do about it? Chung offers four steps to cut the drama:
Raising up AI champions
AI champions are natural leaders with an enthusiasm for this technology. “These champions can bridge the gap between leadership and the workforce, ensuring that AI initiatives are not only implemented but also embraced,” says Chung.
To do this, he says, organizations must first recognize and reward those who are already leading the charge—and then, provide the necessary tools and training. “Equip your AI champions with the latest technology and the knowledge to use it effectively,” urges Chung.
It’s also important to create a culture of building. “Encourage your champions to play a part in developing AI solutions alongside IT,” says Chung. “These employees are eager to take a more active role in designing AI applications, agents, and workflows, with 95% of AI champions either already building tools for their companies or eager to do so.”
Then, empower them to educate others. “AI champions should be at the forefront of training programs, workshops, and internal communications,” says Chung. “When employees see their peers leading the way, they're more likely to follow.”
The AI transformation: together
At the heart of a successful AI strategy is not the technology, but the people. “AI transformation is ultimately about people because it involves empowering employees to think bigger and work in new ways,” says Chung. “Leading companies are not just using AI to do the same work faster; they're fostering a more creative and inspired work environment.”
By placing people at the center of the transformation, says Chung, organizations can empower their people to thrive in the new AI-driven environment.
“This inclusive approach not only reduces resistance but also accelerates the delivery of real value, making the AI transformation more successful and beneficial for the organization as a whole.”
New Master Class for Parents!
Artificial intelligence, the Smart Machine Age, skills-first hiring, the fourth Industrial Revolution—we’re dealing with an entirely new job market and economy than previous generations. How can we best guide our kids to thrive in this fast-changing world?
Join generational expert and bestselling author Mark C. Perna in a candid and frank exploration of how the paradigm is shifting in school, work, and economic development—and what that means for your child’s future at all levels of education and employment.
In this fast-paced master class, you’ll discover how Gen Z thinks, what makes them tick, and how they make decisions. Mark, a dad himself, delivers a behind-the-scenes look at why they operate the way they do and how parents can influence their life and career trajectory in a positive direction. Watch now!
Podcast: The Lifelong Journey of Building Your Dream
Am I building someone else’s dream in this moment—or am I building mine?
That’s the question Mark poses in his latest interview on the Develop This! Podcast, and it’s a good one! Tune in as Mark and host Dennis Fraise discuss:
And more!
Listen in for a quick hit of life and career insights for any stage of your career!
ABOUT MARK C. PERNA
Mark C. Perna is a generational expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author with a mission to shift the paradigm in workforce development. Mark, who CEOs the strategic consulting firm TFS Results, founded the Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement to help communities connect their education, workforce, and economic pipelines. Find out more at MarkCPerna.com.