AI at work: Job fears, desire for a hidden advantage drive employees to hide use

The news: As generative AI (genAI) use grows, many office workers are using AI without employers’ knowledge, per Ivanti’s 2025 Technology at Work Report.

• 42% of employees in the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, and France are using AI at work, a 61.5% increase YoY.
• However, 32% are keeping their use of those tools a secret from employers.

Personal advantage: Workers had myriad reasons for keeping their genAI use hidden.

Among those who don’t disclose their AI use at work:

• Over one-third (36%) said they like having a “secret advantage.”
• 27% blame imposter syndrome and not wanting people to question their abilities.
• 24% cite negative public perception of AI tools.

Worries about adoption: Employees are also concerned about how AI could affect job security or increase their workload.

• 30% keep their use secret because they think AI-led productivity gains could cause bosses to give them more work, while another 30% fear it may cause their jobs to be cut or reduced.
• 29% worry the technology could make their skills seem less valuable.

Security risks: Of the 42% of office workers who are using AI products like ChatGPT at work, almost half (46%) are using tools that aren’t provided by their employers. And 21% of employees who haven’t disclosed AI use are doing so to avoid IT approval processes.

This poses a security risk, especially if employees intentionally sabotage their employer’s AI efforts or incorrectly use the tools due to a lack of training.

• About one-quarter (27%) of US employees have retaliated against their companies’ AI efforts by putting company info into an unapproved genAI tool, per Writer.
• 49% of executives said employees are left on their own to figure out genAI.

Our take: Considering almost half of the workforce is using AI tools unofficially, it’s crucial for companies to encourage responsible AI use by ensuring there are tools, training, and guidance available to all workers. A lack of communication and oversight could cause unintended security problems down the line.