New worldwide research has uncovered an increasing trend of employees secretly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace, with implications for transparency, trust, and risk management in contemporary workplaces. As previously reported, there’s a study that claimed that AI workplace adoption can deteriorate the quality of life.
As per KPMG’s Trust in AI report, created jointly with the University of Melbourne, 57% of employees polled admitted to having covered up their use of AI from managers and colleagues. Even worse, many are using AI-generated material as their own without making any disclosure.
AI Adoption Is Increasing, But There Is Little Oversight
Workers Are Hiding Their AI Use—Study Reveals Why That’s a
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The report, titled “Trust, Attitudes, and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025,” polled more than 48,000 people in 47 nations. It was discovered that 58% of employees deliberately leverage AI in the workplace, and a third of them use it at least weekly.
Nicole Gillespie, joint author of the report and University of Melbourne professor, said that the report reflects a concerning level of “inappropriate, complex, and non-transparent” AI use. Employees are being prompted to use them by pressure to meet targets, fear of losing out, and corporate limits on the use of generative AI tools.
Gilliespie acknowledged the situation, stating that temptations to use AI in the workplace are there. He added that when workers notice productivity gains from using AI, they want to continue using it regardless of whether it violates company policy.
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Hidden Use of AI Spells Significant Workplace Risk
In the course of expansion, a mere 47% of employees have received any formal training on AI. Consequently, most use generative AI with insufficient knowledge, resulting in dire consequences. Business Insider detailed the figures in the study:
- 66% use AI without verifying the accuracy of the results
- 48% feed sensitive business information into public AI platforms
- 56% have committed work errors because of AI misuse
These figures, KPMG’s global trusted AI leader Sam Gloede cautions, leave businesses vulnerable to data breaches, compliance risks, and reputational damage.
Gloede said that without transparency, AI’s untapped potential when it comes to strategy is “lost.”
Trust and AI Literacy Are the Keys to Safe Integration
To realize the full value of AI, trust must be established. That begins with boosting AI literacy and having transparent governance structures in place.
The research revealed that most workers have no idea how AI operates or how to use it ethically. Gillespie emphasized the importance of both basic training and role-specific training to minimize risks and tap into the full potential of AI.
“Transparency and shared learning environments are essential. Individuals require safe spaces to experiment, fail, and develop their AI skills without fear,” she further noted.
Emerging Economies Ahead of the Curve on AI Trust
What’s notable, however, is that employees in emerging economies such as India, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia were more trusting of AI (82%) than those in advanced economies (65%). The report attributed this to more robust AI training programs and higher digital literacy in these economies.
For young professionals in the Gen Z vein, pursuing AI-proof jobs is ideal to adapt to the increasingly AI-driven world.
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