Source insight: Visier survey of 1,000 U.S. full-time workers (healthcare, finance, HR, and other sectors)
Key Finding
Nearly half of workers (48%) have exaggerated their AI usage or expertise to colleagues or leadership. The driver is pressure from corporate leaders who demand AI adoption—often without clear guidance, training, or understanding of the technology’s real impact.
What’s Happening
- Real change is uneven: 54% say AI has significantly changed their roles or careers in the past two years. Some report better performance and job satisfaction; others experience mostly negative effects.
- Anxiety is widespread:
- Nearly 60% are unsure of their employer’s plan for AI-driven changes.
- 45% feel pressured to use AI even when they lack confidence in how to use it effectively.
- Performative behavior: Many workers believe showing enthusiasm for AI matters as much as (or more than) delivering better results. This “fake it till you make it” response is rooted in declining trust in leadership on AI issues.
What Employees Want
- 32% want more AI training and upskilling opportunities.
- 31% want greater transparency on AI-related decisions and impacts.
Leadership Takeaway
Simply telling people to “have AI do it” is not enough. Without clear direction, training, and honest communication, pressure creates performative AI use rather than genuine productivity gains.
Recommended actions for leaders
1. Provide practical, role-specific AI training and upskilling.
2. Be transparent about how AI will affect jobs and workflows.
3. Listen to employee concerns and create space to share knowledge.
4. Resist AI FOMO—focus on useful adoption over optics.
Performative AI use is a symptom of weak trust and unclear strategy. Leaders who invest in skills, clarity, and open dialogue can reduce anxiety and turn pressure into real capability.