Generation Z: 29% Use AI Secretly at Work

A study by Imperial Lifelong Learning describes a rise in the hidden use of AI in the workplace. Among Generation Z, 29% report using it without their employer's knowledge, while many fear judgment from their peers and express discomfort. The lack of clear policies and a disconnect with education are highlighted against a backdrop of perceived skills gaps in several sectors.

Missing Policies and Apprehension Highlighted by Imperial

Some organizations still lack active policies on AI, even though chatbots powered by language models have been widely accessible since 2022 and their performance improves with each version. Heather Haseley, head of lifelong learning at Imperial Lifelong Learning, describes a sense of apprehension among British workers regarding the use of these tools and their economic effects. She believes that education is crucial for promoting responsible and transparent usage and for building trust in the governance of systems. For young professionals, support should begin before entering the job market. In the absence of guidance from organizations, uncertainty grows. Industry leaders also report a disconnect between the rules and expectations in the workplace and those of the education system, where young people may be penalized for using AI, contributing to persistent uncertainty at work. Imperial Lifelong Learning suggests higher education as a pathway to bridge this gap, while calling for the issue to be addressed from day one in every new job.

Hidden Use and Discomfort Among the Young

The hidden use of AI is on the rise in companies. Within Generation Z, 29% admit to using it without their employer's knowledge, and 26% fear negative perceptions from their colleagues or managers. One-third of this group, or 35%, describe themselves as dishonest when using these tools. The proportion of Generation Z engaging in this practice exceeds that of Millennials by 11% and is more than twice that of Generation X. However, Millennials remain the largest daily users of AI, while sharing similar apprehensions about their peers' perceptions. The report highlights the rise of "hidden AI," understood as the use of chatbots not approved by the employer, and describes a relationship characterized as "complex" between Generation Z and these technologies.

Five Sectors Studied and 59% Mention a Skills Gap

Feedback from engineering, financial services, technology, energy, and healthcare was utilized. Within this group, 59% of workers report perceiving a skills gap within their industry. The use of AI continues to increase, whether companies formally encourage it or not, while some employee groups report facing growing difficulties.