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Mind the AI gap
21 March, 2025
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world – and while it could bring new opportunities, there is also a lot of concern around potential negative impacts, including in the workplace. The Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) 2024 Ethics at Work survey found that 48% of employees worry about AI misuse, from discrimination to privacy violations, while 46% fear they will be replaced by AI tools. Yet only 30% of employees say their company has AI ethics guidelines, highlighting a clear gap between tech adoption and responsible governance.
IBE’s survey, covering 12,000 employees across 16 countries, shows that concerns around AI misuse, job loss, and workplace ethics have risen sharply since 2021. More than half of employees say their company provides no AI-related guidance, despite around 70% being aware of corporate Codes of Conduct. This disconnect suggests that while businesses are eager to adopt AI, many haven’t taken the time to build trust around its use.
Beyond job security, employees are increasingly uneasy about bias in AI decision-making, with 43% citing discrimination as a major concern. With DEI efforts already under pressure, poorly designed AI could make workplace inequalities worse. Women and younger employees are the most concerned about AI’s impact on their careers, while others worry about increased surveillance and loss of human interaction. It’s clear that companies need to balance AI’s efficiency with human values.
But there’s plenty of room for optimism. Businesses have a real opportunity to get this right. Upskilling is key, yet 39% of workers already feel unprepared for AI-driven changes. Without the right training, AI could widen the digital divide rather than bridge it. But companies that invest in AI literacy, communicate openly, and build ethical frameworks can turn fear into confidence. AI can empower employees, not replace them.
The takeaway? Ethical AI isn’t just about compliance—it’s about trust, inclusion, and opportunity. Companies that balance innovation with responsibility will create workplaces where employees feel valued, prepared, and engaged. AI should work for people, not against them—and the time to act is now.
By Mariana Garcia