62% of Gen Z workers hide their AI usage from colleagues, says survey

Generation Z workers face a peculiar workplace paradox: they’re expected to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their daily tasks, yet most receive little to no formal training on these tools. This disconnect has created a phenomenon researchers now call “AI shame”—the anxiety and embarrassment young professionals feel when using AI tools, often leading them to hide their reliance on the technology or pretend to understand systems they’ve never been properly taught.

A recent survey by WalkMe, a digital adoption platform owned by enterprise software giant SAP, reveals the scope of this hidden struggle. While nearly 89% of Gen Z workers regularly use AI for professional tasks, 62% conceal this usage from colleagues and supervisors. Even more telling, 55% admit to pretending they understand AI tools during meetings when they actually don’t.

This workplace theater reflects a broader institutional failure. Despite being the generation most comfortable with digital technology, Gen Z professionals are paradoxically the most anxious about being judged for their AI usage. The root cause isn’t technological incompetence—it’s a systematic lack of support that leaves young workers to navigate complex AI systems largely on their own.

The training gap driving AI anxiety

The numbers paint a stark picture of institutional neglect. According to the WalkMe survey, only 6.8% of Gen Z employees receive extensive AI training, while 13.5% receive no guidance whatsoever. This creates what researchers describe as an “AI class divide” within organizations, where entry-level staff—predominantly Gen Z workers—are left to figure out these tools independently while senior executives receive structured support.

The disparity becomes even more pronounced when examining training distribution by organizational level. Only 3.7% of entry-level employees receive substantial AI guidance, compared to 17% of C-suite executives. This inverted training model means the employees most likely to use AI daily are the least equipped to do so effectively.

The consequences extend beyond individual anxiety. When employees resort to “unsanctioned solutions”—using unauthorized AI tools or workarounds because official systems lack proper training—organizations face potential security risks and compliance issues. Meanwhile, productivity suffers as workers spend valuable time trying to decode systems through trial and error rather than focused, guided learning.

Why AI complicates rather than simplifies work for young professionals

Counterintuitively, AI tools designed to boost productivity often have the opposite effect for Gen Z workers. The WalkMe survey found that 65% of young professionals report AI actually complicates their workflows rather than streamlining them. This seeming contradiction reflects the reality of poorly implemented AI adoption: without proper training and clear use cases, sophisticated tools become sources of confusion rather than efficiency.

The pressure to produce more compounds the problem. Nearly 68% of Gen Z workers feel increased pressure to deliver higher output levels, presumably because AI should make them more productive. This creates a vicious cycle where employees feel simultaneously overwhelmed by complex tools and pressured to achieve unrealistic productivity gains.

Career anxiety adds another layer of stress. Almost one in three Gen Z professionals express deep concern about AI’s long-term impact on their job security and career trajectory. Without institutional guidance on how AI fits into their professional development, many view these tools as potential threats rather than career enhancers.

5 strategies for Gen Z professionals to overcome AI shame

Rather than remaining paralyzed by institutional inaction, young professionals can take proactive steps to build AI confidence and competence. Here are five practical approaches:

1. Pursue structured learning opportunities outside your organization

When formal workplace training isn’t available, create your own curriculum. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer comprehensive AI courses designed for business professionals. Focus on courses that teach practical applications rather than theoretical concepts—look for training that covers the specific AI tools your industry uses most frequently.

Consider pursuing recognized certifications in AI platforms relevant to your field. For example, marketing professionals might pursue Google Analytics Intelligence certifications, while finance workers could focus on AI-powered data analysis tools. These credentials not only build genuine competence but also provide concrete evidence of your AI skills to supervisors.

2. Build peer learning networks within your workplace

Form informal AI study groups with colleagues facing similar challenges. These networks serve multiple purposes: they normalize AI learning, create safe spaces for asking questions, and establish knowledge-sharing systems that benefit everyone involved.

Start by identifying colleagues who seem comfortable with AI tools and propose regular lunch-and-learn sessions. Create shared documents where team members can post useful AI prompts, troubleshooting tips, and success stories. This collaborative approach transforms individual anxiety into collective problem-solving.

3. Document your AI-assisted work transparently

Rather than hiding AI usage, develop a system for transparently documenting how you incorporate these tools into your workflow. Create a simple log that tracks which AI tools you use for specific tasks, what results you achieve, and how you verify or refine AI-generated output.

This documentation serves two purposes: it demonstrates professional competence to supervisors and helps you identify patterns in your AI usage that can inform future learning priorities. When performance reviews arrive, you’ll have concrete examples of how AI has enhanced your productivity and decision-making.

4. Develop critical evaluation skills for AI outputs

AI tools are sophisticated assistants, not infallible oracles. Developing strong critical thinking skills ensures you can effectively evaluate and refine AI-generated content rather than accepting it blindly. This competence reduces over-reliance anxiety while improving the quality of your work.

Practice by comparing AI outputs with your own knowledge and research. For written content, check facts and verify sources. For data analysis, cross-reference results with alternative methods. For creative work, ensure AI suggestions align with brand guidelines and project objectives. This verification process builds confidence while maintaining professional standards.

5. Experiment strategically in low-risk environments

Create safe spaces for AI experimentation where mistakes don’t have professional consequences. Use personal projects, volunteer work, or side initiatives as testing grounds for new AI tools and techniques. This approach allows you to build competence without the pressure of immediate workplace performance expectations.

Set up controlled experiments with clear objectives. For example, try using AI to draft three different versions of a personal blog post, then analyze which approach works best and why. Document what you learn and gradually apply successful strategies to professional contexts.

The organizational imperative for better AI support

Gen Z’s AI shame reflects a broader institutional challenge that extends far beyond individual anxiety. Research from MIT suggests that 95% of generative AI pilots at large enterprises fail to achieve their intended outcomes—a statistic that likely correlates with inadequate employee training and support systems.

Organizations that fail to address this training gap risk creating workforces where technological innovation coexists with employee stress and unrealized potential. The solution requires systematic investment in AI literacy programs, particularly for entry-level employees who will shape the future of AI adoption in the workplace.

Transforming anxiety into career advantage

For Gen Z professionals, mastering AI represents both a technological and psychological challenge. The generation that grew up with smartphones and social media now finds itself navigating workplace tools that require entirely different skill sets—and doing so largely without institutional support.

However, this challenge also represents an unprecedented opportunity. Young professionals who proactively develop AI competence while their organizations catch up will position themselves as valuable bridges between traditional business practices and emerging technological capabilities. By embracing structured learning, collaborative problem-solving, and critical evaluation skills, Gen Z can transform AI from a source of silent anxiety into a catalyst for accelerated career growth.

The key lies in recognizing that AI shame is a systemic problem requiring individual solutions until institutions evolve. Those who act now—learning, experimenting, and building confidence in AI tools—will emerge as the workplace leaders who can effectively harness artificial intelligence while maintaining the human judgment that remains irreplaceable in professional settings.