Over a third of employees are currently using artificial intelligence in the workplace as part of their daily basis tools, according to the latest data released by Gallagher.
For the first time, the 2025 Workforce Trends Report: Workplace Wellbeing Index asked respondents about their use of generative AI, which can be used for simple tasks such as chatbots, content creation or image generation, and the results showed widespread usage.
Of the more than 35% of employees that use AI as part of their role, around 60% are using AI tools on either a daily or weekly basis.
Dr James Allen, Director, People Experience and Innovation at Gallagher, said that the results show that uptake of AI highlights that employees are utilising the technology rather than shying away from it.
"The number of employees that are using AI is striking," Allen said. "Employees see AI as a tool that they can use to work smarter and be more efficient and organisations need to harness this shift towards technology."
Employers need to teach their work team how to use AI
In a development that may worry some organisations, the Workplace Wellbeing Index found that employees are using these AI tools whether their organisations sanction it or not.
More than half of the employees surveyed that use AI are self-sourcing AI tools rather than waiting for their employers to approve the technology which presents a unique set of risks including:
- data breaches and authorised access
- malware and cyber security threats
- regulatory violation
- inaccurate outputs and more.
"Organisations that don't have a strategy or policy governing AI usage are going to be left behind by their own employees," Allen continued. "AI use that isn't properly vetted presents huge risks to organisations in any industry. However, a blanket ban on tools just isn't going to work."
Businesses that are slower on the AI uptake not only face these security risks, they face reputational risk from their employees too.
"If organisations tell their employees that they're innovative and forward-thinking but lag behind on this lived experience of AI usage, it sends a confusing message to employees," Allen said.
"Employees are already integrating AI tools into their work, often without formal approval. Rather than resisting this shift, organisations should proactively develop strategies to support safe, effective AI use that enhances productivity and employee wellbeing."
