Nearly half of workers admit to exaggerating their AI expertise to managers

A Visier report finds 48% of employees lie about AI usage due to job fears and lack of clear corporate strategy.

Threat Times Systems DeskOctober 12, 20262 min read

Illustration: A white office desk holds a sleek laptop with a blank screen, positioned next to a single sheet of paper covered in abstract geometric shapes. — AI-generated illustration: Threat Times

Key points

% of employees admit to exaggerating their AI usage or expertise to colleagues or managers.
% of workers say AI has significantly changed their roles over the past two years.
Only 21% of employees believe their employer provides sufficient AI training and support.

A new report from workforce analytics firm Visier reveals that nearly half of employees are misrepresenting their artificial intelligence capabilities to their employers. According to TechRadar, 48% of workers admitted to exaggerating their usage or expertise some or most of the time, while 45% feel pressured to use AI at work.

The data indicates a significant disconnect between employee expectations and organizational support. While 45% of respondents feel pressured to use AI at work, only 21% strongly agree that their employers provide sufficient training. This gap suggests that many workers are attempting to navigate rapid technological shifts without adequate guidance or resources from leadership.

Strategic uncertainty and role changes

The survey highlights widespread confusion regarding corporate AI strategies. One in three employees stated their employer has no clear plan, while 27% were unsure if any plan existed. Consequently, only one-third of workers believe their leaders understand the specific training and support needs required to integrate AI effectively into daily operations.

More than half of the respondents, specifically 54%, reported that AI has significantly altered their job roles over the past two years. Despite these substantial changes, transparency remains low. Workers are calling for greater clarity, with 31% citing transparency as a top demand, just behind the 32% seeking more upskilling opportunities.

Job security concerns

One in four employees identified job loss as their most frequently identified concern regarding AI adoption. This worry is raised alongside calls for better communication, with 18% of workers asking for clearer information about how AI could impact them. Additionally, 24% of respondents called for more career advancement opportunities.

Dr. Andrea Derler, Research and Customer Value Principal at Visier, noted that employees want to be equipped and informed rather than shielded from change. The report urges businesses to prioritize training and transparency to build trust, which is essential for realizing the productivity gains organizations hope to achieve through AI integration.

What should you do?

Organizations should assess their current AI communication strategies to ensure employees understand available tools and support. Leaders need to verify that training programs are accessible and relevant to different roles. Companies should also monitor employee sentiment regarding job security to address fears proactively.

What to do and how to stay safe: Visier

Review internal communications to ensure AI policies and expectations are clearly documented and accessible to all staff.
Conduct anonymous surveys to gauge employee confidence levels and identify gaps in AI training or support resources.
Establish clear guidelines on acceptable AI usage to reduce ambiguity and potential misuse in professional settings.
Create channels for employees to ask questions about AI impacts on their specific roles without fear of negative repercussions.

Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.