Gen Z 'sabotage' | Global study finds AI adoption is tearing companies apart

AI adoption gaps are placing pressure on leaders as organizations struggle to translate investment into results according second annual AI survey from Writer.

The study, conducted in partnership with independent research firm Workplace Intelligence, surveyed 2,400 global employees and C-suite leaders using AI at work and outlines a number of alarming issues with AI adoption in companies including internal conflict and even employee sabotage highlighted.

The report examines the obstacles companies continue to face as they implement generative and agentic AI, and says that 79% of executives acknowledge struggling with issues like lagging ROI, strategy gaps, and internal power struggles. The pressure is felt most acutely at the top, with 38% of CEOs reporting a high or crippling amount of stress around AI strategy. And it’s not just their companies on the line — 64% of CEOs fear they could lose their job if they fail to lead their organization through the AI transition.

AI adoption gaps widen talent divide

To get ahead in the AI race, 92% of the C-suite admit they’re actively cultivating a new class of 'AI elite' employees. Most leaders (87%) report that these AI super-users are at least five times more productive than employees who aren’t embracing AI. But the stakes are high for those who lag behind, with 77% of executives warning that employees who refuse to become AI-proficient won’t be considered for promotions or leadership roles, and 60% say they plan to lay off employees who can’t or won’t use AI.