The adoption of artificial intelligence in companies is moving at a very different pace compared to workers. While employees are already integrating AI tools into their daily routines —even paying out of pocket for some licenses— companies show a much slower process filled with barriers.
This gap in AI adoption between employees and companies is not only technological; it is also cultural and strategic. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this difference, the risks organizations face, and the opportunities they have to close the gap.
Why is there a gap in artificial intelligence adoption?
The arrival of ChatGPT in 2022 marked a turning point. Nearly three years later, the changes keep coming. However, the pace is uneven:
Employees: show curiosity, experiment with new tools, and apply them to their daily work.
Companies: tend to be more cautious, prioritizing security and stability before moving forward with implementation.
This contrast creates the current scenario of employees vs companies in AI adoption, where workers have the upper hand.
Employees and daily use of AI at work
One of the most striking phenomena is that, according to a report published by Exploding Topics
29% of employees pay for their own AI tools to use at work, while companies offer no training whatsoever in this technology.
Examples of AI use by employees
- Writing and editing texts
- Generating images and presentations
- Supporting translations and summaries
- Automating repetitive tasks
The motivation is simple: save time, increase productivity, and improve the quality of deliverables. Workers see the immediate value, without waiting for their companies to offer training or licenses.
Companies and the challenges of implementing AI strategically
Companies, on the other hand, face a more complex landscape. While many recognize the importance of AI, the challenges of implementing it are multiple:
- Costs of investment in licenses and training
- Uncertainty regarding regulation and ethical aspects
- Doubts about how to integrate AI into already established processes.
All of this explains why AI adoption in companies progresses more slowly than at the individual level.
Security in the use of AI in companies
One recurring issue we’ve observed among many of our clients is security.
When we look at some cybersecurity statistics, the critical nature of the situation becomes clear. According to Genexus Consulting, cyberattacks increased by 108% compared to last year in the Latin American region.
In addition, Ámbito Financiero reports that globally, the average number of weekly cyberattacks per organization reached 1,925 in the first quarter of 2025, a 47% increase over the same period the previous year.
Companies manage sensitive data, contracts, and confidentiality clauses. The fear of data leaks limits trust in these tools. As a result, AI security in companies becomes a key factor slowing widespread adoption.
How to face AI challenges in companies
At Oxean, as a corporate communications agency focused on internal and external communication, we see the different tensions AI generates in companies every day —which leads people to start using AI tools on their own.
What does this tell us? In our view, it clearly shows that employees have a strong interest and see the obvious benefits of AI tools, but they do not find responses from their organizations that match their pace.
Our proposal: work comprehensively, with AI tools workshops for communication teams
On one hand, it’s essential to address the context and ethical —even philosophical— topics related to AI. On the other, we focus on reviewing practical tools that can be used for daily communication tasks, such as content generation, image creation, and video development.
In this way, communication teams can have a broader perspective, find solutions to their everyday needs, and drive AI adoption within the organization by proposing tools that best fit their work dynamics.
Cultural and internal communication challenges
It’s not all about technology. AI also implies a cultural shift. For it to work, teams need training in prompting, understanding of limitations, and trust in the tool.
This is where internal resistance appears: fear of job replacement, distrust toward “new” things, and lack of clear policies. Overcoming these cultural challenges is just as important as solving the technical ones.
Opportunities to close the AI adoption gap
The good news is the gap is not insurmountable. There are several actions companies can take to speed up their transformation:
Practical strategies for communication teams
- Internal AI workshops: train employees in the responsible use of tools
- Clear policies: establish guidelines to prevent information leaks
- Pilot projects: start in areas like communication, marketing, or support, where the impact is immediate
- Gradual cultural change: show that AI doesn’t replace, but rather complements human work
By implementing these measures, companies can reduce the challenges of adopting AI and turn innovation into a competitive advantage.
Adoption of artificial intelligence in companies
Today, workers are leading the way in AI use. Companies, on the other hand, are moving more cautiously. This gap in AI adoption between employees and companies presents risks —but also opportunities.
Organizations that understand this mismatch and turn it into a bridge —with training, security, and strategic vision— will be better prepared for the future.
If you need to implement AI tools strategically in your company, we invite you to meet with us to start finding solutions together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a gap in AI adoption between employees and companies?
Employees adopt AI spontaneously to save time and increase productivity, while companies move cautiously due to costs, security concerns, and strategic doubts.
How are employees using AI in their daily work?
Mainly for writing texts, creating images, translations, summaries, and automating repetitive tasks—even paying for licenses out of their own pockets.
What are the main challenges companies face when implementing AI?
Investment costs, lack of regulatory and ethical clarity, and the difficulty of integrating AI into existing processes are the most common obstacles.
Why is security a critical factor in corporate AI adoption?
Because companies handle sensitive data and fear information leaks. The rise in cyberattacks across the region reinforces this concern and limits trust in these tools.
What cultural resistances exist toward artificial intelligence?
Fear of job replacement, distrust of new technologies, and the absence of clear policies create internal barriers that slow adoption.
How can internal communication help close the AI adoption gap?
Through training, responsible use workshops, clear messaging, and dialogue spaces that reduce resistance and build trust in technology.
What opportunities do companies have to advance AI adoption?
They can launch pilot projects in communication or marketing, define security policies, train employees in prompting, and show that AI complements rather than replaces human work.
