AI Workplace Adoption Reveals Sharp Divide Between Sceptics and Realists

Research from The Adaptavist Group has uncovered a significant division amongst workplace leaders regarding artificial intelligence adoption, with 42% identifying as “sceptics” who believe their organisation’s AI claims are exaggerated, whilst 36% consider themselves “realists” confident that expectations align with reality. The findings highlight how perception fundamentally shapes AI implementation success across organisations.

Context and Background

Sceptic leaders face considerably higher levels of workplace anxiety, with 65% worried that their organisation’s AI approach poses financial, psychological, or physical risks to customers. Nearly half of sceptics fear wrongful accusations of AI misuse, and 42% actively conceal their AI usage at work to avoid potential repercussions. These organisations report investing between £1 million and £10 million in AI initiatives over the past year, yet adoption is driven more by obligation than measurable outcomes—84% of sceptic leaders encourage AI use because they feel they should, rather than because it delivers specific value.

By contrast, realist-led organisations demonstrate measurably different results. Leaders in these environments report clear improvements in work quality, time efficiency, and output, whilst spending less time correcting AI-generated content. Only 37% of realists flagged ethical concerns such as plagiarism, bias, or hallucinations, compared to 74% of sceptics. Training plays a crucial role: 59% of sceptics receive no formal AI education, whilst realists foster experimentation, provide structured training, and measure outcomes in ways that support both technology and people.

Looking Forward

The research suggests that rapid proliferation of AI tools exacerbates the divide, with 74% of sceptics feeling overwhelmed by too many tools deployed too quickly. These findings align with recent MIT claims that 95% of generative AI pilots are failing, reinforcing that organisational culture and preparation are decisive factors in AI success.

“The contrast between leaders who are confident in their organisation’s AI journey and those grappling with poor outcomes, rushed implementations, and a reluctant workforce is stark,” said Jon Mort, CTO of The Adaptavist Group. “To unlock AI’s true value, organisations must be quick to experiment but take time to thoughtfully roll out by investing in training and creating an environment where both people and technology can thrive.”

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