AI usage is taking off in the workplace, per new Gallup data out Monday, even as workers fear it'll cost them their jobs.
Why it matters: In certain industries the technology is now widespread, and the very nature of how some professionals work is changing.
By the numbers: Those who say they're using AI a few times a year or more at work jumped to 45% in the third quarter of the year — more than 20 points from the same time in 2024.
- Weekly usage rose to 23% from 12% last year.
- The share of workers who use AI every day is still pretty small — just 10% in the third quarter of the year.
Zoom in: Gallup surveyed all kinds of workers. Those in so-called "knowledge jobs" have adopted AI at far higher rates than those in service sectors or more blue-collar sectors.
- 50% of tech workers, 33% of those in finance and 30% in professional services used AI in their role at least a few times per week.
- Those are much higher numbers than in retail (18%), manufacturing (18%) and health care (21%).
- The higher up you are in the company, the more likely it is you're using AI, per Gallup.
Zoom out: Chatbots are the most frequently used AI type — used by more than 60% of AI adopters.
The bottom line: More than a quarter century ago, the introduction of Google search kickstarted Internet adoption at work.
- Perhaps ChatGPT's emergence just three years ago will lead to similar uptake — but it's not there yet.
