Artificial Intelligence might be your coworker’s secret weapon and you’d never know it. A growing number of Americans are using AI at work, but many are keeping it a secret from their bosses.
Ivanti, an IT software company, published its 2025 Technology at Work report, examining trends around workplace productivity, return-to-office pressure, and AI usage.
Unauthorized AI use is rising fast
According to Ivanti, the use of generative AI has skyrocketed in the last year. Forty-two percent of office workers report using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, during work hours. The report also found 38% admit to using unauthorized AI tools.
Notably, 1 in 3 workers hide their AI use from their employers.
When asked why, 36% said they enjoy the “secret advantage” AI gives them. Another 30% fear they could lose their jobs if caught. Meanwhile, 27% simply don’t want their abilities questioned.
Leaders underestimate how much AI is being used
While nearly all employees reported some familiarity with generative AI, McKinsey’s January 2025 report found that many executives are unfamiliar with how often it’s actually being used. C-suite leaders estimated that just 4% of employees use AI for at least 30% of their daily work, but employee self-reports show that number is over three times higher.
Additionally, while only a small portion of leaders expected that employees would rely on AI to handle 30% or more of their tasks within the next year, employees are more than twice as likely to believe that shift is coming.
AI secrecy extends beyond the workplace
The lack of AI guidance isn’t just a corporate problem — schools and universities are also facing challenges. As students approach graduation and prepare to enter the workforce, many are already relying heavily on AI.
Experts warn that AI can boost productivity, but it could increase isolation.
J.T. Bushnell, a senior writing instructor at Oregon State University, said relying too heavily on AI removes valuable human interaction from the creative process. He emphasizes that while AI can help improve writing, people can gain similar benefits by collaborating with others, especially in educational or workplace settings.
“You can also get these same benefits from speaking to another human,” he told Straight Arrow News. “Like an improvement in the social aspect of your day.”
contributed to this report.
