Why employees resist AI—and how companies can fix it

Prompt engineer Susanne Renate Schneider often sees companies struggle with AI adoption. Employees frequently avoid new tools, and some even use unauthorised software, risking data security. She regularly discusses this issue in her corporate talks. Schneider points out a recurring problem: firms introduce AI systems without consulting staff. Leaders sometimes mistake scepticism for resistance, leaving workers feeling unheard. This disconnect leads to low engagement with the technology.

She advises businesses to define clear use cases with employees before any rollout. Valuing scepticism and addressing daily frustrations can help position AI as a practical solution rather than an imposed change. Schneider shared these insights on the Arbeit in Progress podcast, available on our website. The podcast episode offers guidance for organisations facing similar challenges. Listeners can subscribe to Arbeit in Progress via their preferred podcast app or access the RSS feed on our website. Her recommendations aim to improve AI adoption and reduce reliance on unofficial tools.