On the surface, your team may seem confident. However, behind the scenes, many are unsure.
Some are using AI quietly, afraid to get it wrong. Others avoid it altogether, worried they’ll look out of touch or even be replaced. They don’t want to fall behind. But they also don’t feel safe asking for help.
And the hardest part? They’re not telling you.
The hidden risk most leaders overlook
You’re investing in AI. So are your competitors. Your board wants to see a plan. But while strategy takes shape at the top, fear is taking hold on the ground – and slowing everything down.
According to EY’s Employee Anxiety Survey:
- 72% worry AI could impact their pay.
- 67% fear it might hurt promotional prospects.
- 66% already feel like they’re falling behind.
These fears are real. And they’re affecting how people work, how they collaborate and whether they’re willing to use AI at all.
“I don’t want to admit I used AI…”
More than half of professionals say they feel uncomfortable telling their manager they’ve used AI, worried it looks lazy or dishonest.
Some hide it. Others fake it. Either way, it’s a symptom of the same problem: a lack of confidence.
As Slack Workforce Lab put it: “We’re creating a workplace where people are scared to admit what tools they’re using – and that’s a problem.”
This fear is stopping teams from using AI as intended: to save time, spark ideas and reduce pressure.
And when people don’t feel safe to try, nothing changes.
What’s really holding you back?
It’s not the tools. It’s not the budget. It’s fear.
This makes AI anxiety more than a people issue, it’s a performance risk.
- Only 9% of UK firms had adopted AI in 2023.
- 39% of non-adopters said they didn’t know where to start.
- 16% cited a lack of skills.
(ONS, 2025)
Until your people feel confident using AI, it won’t deliver.
So what’s the fix? Confidence, not code
It’s not more software your team needs – it’s clarity, trust and a safe space to explore what AI actually is and how it fits into their work.
That’s exactly what the Mastering AI Essentials workshop delivers
It’s a half-day, high-impact session for professionals who want to:
- Break through fear and confusion around AI.
- Ask questions and explore without judgment.
- Learn what AI can (and can’t) do – no jargon, no pressure.
- Use AI safely, ethically and with confidence.
This isn’t a technical bootcamp. It’s a human-first experience designed to help people feel ready, not overwhelmed, so they can lead smarter conversations and make better decisions.
Why it works
- Builds confidence fast – by removing fear and normalising AI use.
- Creates shared understanding – so teams stop hiding and start collaborating.
- Protects well-being – by turning anxiety into empowerment.
- Drives adoption – so AI actually starts adding value.
The longer you wait, the worse it gets
Anxiety breeds silence. Silence stalls progress. Before long, you’re left with expensive tools no one feels comfortable using – and a workforce too unsure to ask for help.
Let’s change that.
Find out more about the workshop:
- Workshop overview.
- Public workshop calendar for individuals.
- Enquire about in-house training for groups and teams.
Sources:
https://www.ey.com/en_us/newsroom/2023/12/ey-research-shows-most-us-employees-feel-ai-anxiety
https://news.mst.edu/2025/05/the-biggest-barrier-to-ai-adoption-in-the-business-world-isnt-tech-its-user-confidence
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/economicoutputandproductivity/productivitymeasures/articles/managementpracticesandtheadoptionoftechnologyandartificialintelligenceinukfirms2023/2025-03-24
