How to increase worker AI adoption

Recent BCG and Columbia research reveals a troubling disconnect in AI adoption: executives are 51 percentage points more optimistic than individual contributors about employee AI engagement. The key finding? Employee centricity—not industry, function, or company size—explains 36% of variance in AI maturity. Organizations that listen to feedback, provide clear advancement paths, and hold people accountable to outcomes create the trust needed for AI transformation. Employee-centric companies see workers who are 70% more enthusiastic about AI adoption and 92% better informed about strategy. The research suggests three priorities: understand real employee sentiment, focus on business outcomes rather than efficiency mandates, and practice intentional design that builds psychological safety for experimentation.