Thousands of unprompted employee survey comments reveal enthusiasm for useful AI alongside concerns about jobs, trust and organisational silence
LONDON, UK. September 9th, 2026: Employees are raising artificial intelligence spontaneously when asked about their wider experience at work, according to qualitative analysis by employee experience specialist People Insight.
Across recent People Insight surveys, thousands of employees in hundreds of organisations mentioned AI in open-text comments, despite almost never being asked about it directly. Instead, they introduced the topic of AI when answering broader questions about what they would change at work, what would help them perform effectively and what their organisation does well.
The comments show that AI is already shaping the employee experience. People see opportunities to reduce routine administration, summarise documents, support translation and create first drafts. Some are frustrated by restricted licences, blocked tools and unclear policies that prevent responsible experimentation.
At the same time, employees are raising reasonable concerns about job security, accuracy, data protection, copyright, ethics and environmental impact. One employee said: “I do not fear AI tools. I fear that they would be seen and used as an easy way to eliminate jobs.” Another called for greater transparency to stop “hearsay and anxiety about AI” becoming a larger source of insecurity.
One respondent also said: “I have been hesitant to share my views because I do not feel that more critical perspectives on AI are always welcomed.” The findings suggest employees cannot be divided neatly into enthusiasts and sceptics. The same person may want useful AI tools while seeking reassurance about jobs, safeguards and how decisions will be made.
All comments included in the analysis have been anonymised and potentially identifying information has been removed. Protecting respondent privacy and anonymity is fundamental to helping employees speak honestly about sensitive workplace issues.
AI readiness is both strategic and cultural
AI readiness is an organisation’s ability to maximise the benefits to be derived from AI – across products, services and operations.
AI readiness is both strategic and cultural and depends on whether people have the clarity, trust, capability and opportunity to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Tom Debenham, Managing Director of People Insight, said: “Many organisations are looking at AI readiness through platforms, policies and training. Our employee comments show why that is not enough. People are already thinking about how AI could improve their work, but they are also asking difficult and reasonable questions about jobs, trust and accountability.
“AI adoption will not be a simple top-down technology rollout. Organisations need strategic direction and appropriate governance, but they must also listen to employees, learn from practical experimentation and respond honestly to concerns.”
Forthcoming AI readiness assessment
People Insight is preparing to launch an AI readiness assessment to help organisations understand how prepared their people and culture are for AI-enabled change.
The assessment will help organisations identify where employees are ready to move forward, where anxiety or uncertainty remains and where targeted communication, manager training or practical support is needed. Repeating it over time will allow organisations to monitor readiness as technology, roles and expectations evolve.
Tom added: “Companies should be excited about AI’s potential, but successful adoption depends on understanding where employees are starting from. An AI readiness assessment gives leaders evidence they can act on, helping them focus investment, prepare managers and build the trust needed for responsible experimentation.”
Read the full analysis: AI readiness: what employees say when nobody asks
ENDS
ENDS