More than half (58%) of employees are intentionally using AI, with a third using it weekly or daily, according to KPMG. However, nearly half admit to using AI in ways that breach company policy, including uploading sensitive information to public AI tools like ChatGPT. The study, Trust, attitude and use of Artificial Intelligence: A global study […]
More than half (58%) of employees are intentionally using AI, with a third using it weekly or daily, according to KPMG. However, nearly half admit to using AI in ways that breach company policy, including uploading sensitive information to public AI tools like ChatGPT.
The study, Trust, attitude and use of Artificial Intelligence: A global study 2025, was led by Nicole Gillespie, chair of trust at Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne, and Steve Lockey, research fellow at Melbourne Business School, in collaboration with consultancy KPMG.
It surveyed 48,000 people across 47 countries between November 2024 and January 2025.
Employees reported improved efficiency, access to information and innovation. Almost half (48%) said AI had increased revenue-generating activity.
However, the enthusiasm around AI may be encouraging complacency. The results show many employees rely on AI-generated output without checking its accuracy (66%) and are making mistakes in their work because of it (56%).
In addition, more than half (57%) of employees admit to concealing their use of AI and presenting AI-generated work as their own.
This behaviour may be attributed to a lack of clear guidance from employers. Fewer than half (47%) of employees said they had received AI training, and only 40% reported that their workplace had policies or guidance on the use of generative AI.
Nevertheless, employees feel a strong pressure to stay current: half expressed concern about being left behind if they do not use AI.
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“The findings reveal that employees’ use of AI at work is delivering performance benefits but also opening up risk from complacent and non-transparent use,” said Gillespie.
“They highlight the importance of effective governance and training, and creating a culture of responsible, open and accountable AI use,” she added.
Negative impacts of AI
Beyond the workplace, four in five respondents said they were concerned about the risks of AI, with two in five reporting negative impacts.
These ranged from reduced human interaction and increased cybersecurity threats to the spread of misinformation, inaccurate outcomes and deskilling.
Some 64% were concerned that elections are being manipulated by AI-powered bots and AI-generated content.
While 70% of respondents said AI regulation is needed, only 43% felt current laws and regulations are sufficient.
“The research reveals a tension where people are experiencing benefits from AI adoption at work and in society, but also a range of negative impacts,” said Gillespie.
“This is fuelling a public mandate for stronger regulation and governance of AI, and a growing need for reassurance that AI systems are being used in a safe, secure, and responsible way.”
David Rowlands, KPMG International’s global head of AI, added: “It is without doubt the greatest technology innovation of a generation and it is crucial that AI is grounded in trust given the fast pace at which it continues to advance.”
