AI has become a staple in the workplace for many, although depending on comfort level and job type, the usage varies. Slack surveyed over 5,000 full-time desk workers across the U.S., Australia, India, Singapore, Ireland, and the U.K. in August. Based on the responses, they categorized employees into five AI personas and provided recommendations for employers to engage each group. Which group do you fall into?
The Maximalist
Representing 30% of respondents, Maximalists are fully embracing AI. 63% use AI multiple times a week, and 65% actively encourage others to do the same. Nearly half of these employees work in environments where AI use is encouraged. Maximalists are generally younger, with 80% under the age of 44, and are more often men. Christina Janzer, SVP of research and analytics at Slack, suggests that companies allow these individuals to share their AI experiences with colleagues, positioning them as AI ambassadors within their teams.
The Underground
Making up 20% of respondents, this group uses AI discreetly. 43% say their companies don’t support AI usage, and 74% do not disclose their use of the technology to coworkers. Similar to the Maximalists, most Underground users are under 44 and predominantly male. Other studies suggest that many employees might be using AI without their employer’s knowledge or guidance, making this behavior more common than companies might assume.
The Rebel
19% of workers fall into the Rebel category, with 66% stating they don’t use AI at work. Many view AI as a societal threat, and around 40% believe it would be unfair if their colleagues used AI for their tasks. This group skews older and female—60% are women, and over half are above 45. According to Janzer, women may have heightened concerns about AI replacing their jobs and are less likely to trust the technology. She emphasized the need for employers to offer support and demonstrate how AI can enhance, rather than replace, their work.
The Superfan
16% of employees are enthusiastic about AI but are not actively using it at work. This group is diverse in age, showing that interest in AI spans generations. Janzer recommends providing these individuals with training and opportunities to collaborate with others, unlocking their potential as AI users.
The Observer
The final 16% of workers are largely indifferent to AI, though about a third are interested in learning how to use it. Employers can engage these workers by introducing them to small, practical use cases that allow them to explore AI’s benefits at their own pace.
Which category do you fall into? I would rate myself as either a Maximalist or Superfan. While I don’t use it on a daily basis per se, I do encourage my team to utilize AI to create efficiencies in their work. We utilize Chat GPT and are experimenting with Microsoft Pilot as well.
ASE has put together AI Resources for employers which includes tools and best practices for implementation, a sample AI policy, an AI prep guide, and a link to all of ASE’s articles and blogs on the topic of AI. View that page here.
Have you found new ways to use AI that have created efficiencies in your organization? Email me at mocorrado@aseonline.org.
By Mary E. Corrado, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.
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