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Tackling the AI-driven ‘white-collar exodus’
AI promised to revolutionise productivity. But research by Adaptavist shows that it isn’t always delivering.
Discover how the AI ‘verification tax’, emerging cultures of ‘human vs. machine’, and more are impacting team engagement—and how leaders can build a culture where AI thrives by unlocking human potential.
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AI adoption has exploded in the workplace
To follow-up on last year’s research into The human cost of digital transformation, we spoke to 2,500 knowledge workers about their experiences of AI in the workplace.
The data is clear—AI has officially moved from experimentation to expectation in the workplace.
73%
Of workers say using AI at work enables them be more efficient
67%
Would like their organisation to increase its use of AI technology
65%
Say their organisation has a clear strategy for how AI tools should be used
... but are workers truly engaging with it?
0%
Do not understand why they are expected to use AI in their role
0%
Are frustrated that tasks requiring years of expertise can now be done by almost anyone using AI
0%
Would remove GenAI tools from the world altogether if given the choice
In fact, 65% of workers regularly feel nostalgic for how work operated before AI
The cognitive costs of AI at work
This emerging tension between technological progress and human experience is manifesting itself in a number of ways
The 'verification tax'
A hidden productivity burden created by the need to check, correct, and validate AI-generated work.
52% regularly correct AI-generated work from colleagues
Human vs. machine
A dynamic where workers feel their output, speed, and value are measured against AI technology itself.
26% say AI results in rising pressure to improve performance
Fear of obsoletion
A growing anxiety about long-term relevance in the workplace.
54% say they are concerned that AI could reduce the need for their role within the next five years
The white-collar exodus
As a result of these pressures, a new structural risk is emerging.
33% say they are already considering changing industries due to AI
Are your teams vulnerable to AI fatigue?
- 25% of workers are actively exploring professions perceived to be less exposed to AI
- 46% of C-level executives and 36% of directors say they are already considering changing industries, but;
- 74% of workers are actively learning new skills to stay relevant in their field, rising to 85% among C-level leaders.
With insights from leading technology providers
We're asking people to move faster, work smarter, and embrace AI, while a growing number quietly wonder if there'll be a place for them at all. That tension doesn't just disappear. It shows up in your retention data, your engagement scores, and your culture.
But here's the opportunity: organisations that acknowledge this anxiety, and invest in their people alongside the technology, are the ones who will come out ahead. AI doesn't have to mean uncertainty. It can mean growth if we lead it that way.
Lisa Schaffer
Global Work Management Practice Lead, Adaptavist
The real risk isn’t that AI replaces experts, it’s that organisations don’t give experts the right tools and guardrails to direct AI safely, so everyone stays stuck in low gear out of caution.
Mike Potter
Co-founder and CEO, Rewind
This research shows that leaders can no longer afford to overlook the human impact of AI adoption. If introduced without clarity or support, AI risks undermining confidence in hard-earned skills and fuelling unnecessary fear.
However, when implemented thoughtfully and transparently, AI has the potential to enhance roles, freeing people from repetitive tasks and enabling them to focus on more meaningful, high-value work. The priority for organisations now should be ensuring employees are equipped with the right training, context, and support to adapt.
Neal Riley
Innovation Lead, The Adaptavist Group
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