Why 95% of Workers Don’t Trust Your AI Strategy
The Human Factor
Antoinette Rodriguez, MBA
February 26, 2025
“AI will not replace jobs, but it will change the nature of work.”
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, artificial intelligence has become a fundamental component for any thriving business in the competitive marketplace. While AI promises to transform workplaces by streamlining processes and reducing employee workloads, its implementation without proper strategy can create significant challenges that harm employee engagement. As we move through 2025, the success of AI adoption hinges significantly on the acceptance and cooperation of the workforce.
The Critical Need for Employee Buy-In
When employees are onboarded effectively to AI systems, they become advocates for the technology, driving its successful adoption and maximizing its benefits. Conversely, without the support of employees, AI initiatives may face resistance, skepticism, and even sabotage. This resistance can significantly impact an organization's ability to leverage AI for competitive advantage.
According to Accenture's report, 95% of workers don't trust organizations to ensure positive AI outcomes for everyone. This trust deficit creates a substantial barrier to effective AI implementation. Additionally, SHRM's 2023 Workplace Automation Research found that 23% of U.S. workers are concerned that automation will replace their job in the next five years.
Major Roadblocks to Employee AI Adoption
Fear of Job Displacement
One of the primary challenges leaders face when implementing AI tools is employees' fear of job displacement. The concern that AI technologies will render their skills obsolete can lead to disengagement and resistance to change. This fear is not unfounded, as AI continues to automate tasks previously performed by humans.
About the Author:
Based at One World Trade Center, Antoinette Rodriguez, MBA, delivers actionable insights at the intersection of AI and decentralized finance through Global AI & Crypto Decoded. Drawing from two decades of Wall Street experience and her role as Chairwoman of Financial Advisor Magazine's Invest in Women initiative, Rodriguez provides thought leadership through her weekly newsletter reaching thousands globally, commissioned white papers, and speaking engagements across the Americas and Europe.
Available for:
✓ Newsletter Sponsorship - Reaching thousands of global wealth managers, digital asset enthusiasts, institutional investors, PE firms, and family offices
✓ White Paper Co-Authorship - Translating fintech and DeFi innovations for traditional finance audiences worldwide. Well-funded startups and mid-cap fintech/DeFi companies encouraged to inquire
✓ Speaking Engagements - Keynotes and expert panels at global fintech, family office, and investor events
To discuss newsletter sponsorship, white paper collaboration, or speaking engagements, connect with Antoinette Rodriguez through LinkedIn private messages.
Lack of Understanding and Experience
According to SHRM's August 2024 Current Events Pulse survey, 80% of workers classify their understanding of AI as only beginner or intermediate, while 22% have no experience with AI at all. When employees are unfamiliar with AI and cannot leverage it fully, they miss opportunities to accelerate their productivity. This knowledge gap creates a significant barrier to adoption.