Execs use AI 4X more than frontline workers, Draper’s BambooHR study finds

Draper-based BambooHR, a human resources management platform, has released a workplace study that finds a growing gap in AI adoption between senior leadership and frontline staff. 

While 72 percent of C-suite-level executives use AI daily, only 18 percent of individual contributors (ICs) — those who perform most operational and production tasks — do the same. The report, “Clarity over Chaos: Embracing AI for Adaptability and Value,” was published in June.

“With 77 percent of companies allowing AI but only 32 percent providing training, we're witnessing the birth of a new digital divide that’s reshaping workplace power dynamics and exacerbating gender gaps in Corporate America,” the report authors said.

“Leaders need to develop clear and comprehensive AI policies that not only outline what’s acceptable but also address the elephant in the room — the fear that using AI is somehow ‘cheating,’” said Alan Whitaker, head of AI at BambooHR. “When we communicate these policies clearly and transparently to all employees, we can help alleviate concerns, promote a culture of openness, and empower our teams to harness the full potential of AI.”

The study concluded that AI usage isn’t generational, it’s hierarchical. Organizations that say they promote AI adoption are the same ones failing to train ICs, creating this invisible efficiency gap.

The study found:

• Half (50 percent) of managers and more senior titles receive training compared to nearly one in four (23 percent) of ICs.

• Of those who report using AI, men (60 percent) report using it daily compared to 40 percent of women, raising questions about the potential barriers to or concerns around adoption for women.

• Although 72 percent of employees express a desire to improve their AI skills, only 32 percent of employees have received formal AI training from their employer.

• Compared to ICs, more than twice as many executives are creating efficiencies using AI to draft emails, create presentations and other tasks.

The report shows employees seem to view using AI as cheating, despite AI use being widely permitted:

Almost one-quarter (23percent) of ICs are evasive about when they’ve used AI, compared to only 6 percent of C-suite executives.

• Less than a third of people (30 percent) can accurately detect AI-written content.

• Sixty-one percent of C-suite executives value employees who use AI more, compared to only 13 percent of ICs

• Eighty percent of execs rate AI-assisted work as high quality compared to 69 percent of managers/directors and 28 percent of ICs.

“AI training isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have for organizations that want to stay ahead,” said Brian Crofts, chief product officer at BambooHR. “It’s not just about using tools; it’s about empowering every employee to think strategically about how AI can drive results and improve work life.”

The full report can be accessed under the “resources” tab at www.bamboohr.com.

BambooHR conducted the research using an online survey prepared by Method Research among 1,502 adults ages 18-plus who currently work in a desk job position. Data was collected from April 1 to April 15.