The Writer 2025 generative AI survey draws on the insights and experiences of 1,600 knowledge workers — 800 C-suite executives and 800 employees. In partnership with independent research group Workplace Intelligence, we uncovered:

• What leaders are struggling with
• Where they see opportunities
• How employees feel about AI adoption

Take a sneak peek at some of the most eye-opening data points — and see how your company’s AI initiatives stack up.

• Around 2/3 of executives say generative AI adoption has led to tension and division. 42% say it’s tearing their company apart.
• 77% of employees using AI  are AI champions or have the potential to become AI champions.
• 41% of Gen Z employees are actively sabotaging their company’s AI strategy.                            

Adoption is the biggest barrier to becoming an AI-first enterprise

Power struggles, conflicts, silos, and even sabotage — tensions are rising as AI transforms workflows and challenges existing power dynamics.

An overwhelming majority of executives face adoption challenges 

71% of execs report adoption challenges and over a third say it’s been a massive disappointment. Meanwhile, nearly half of employees had to figure out AI on their own.                       

AI is creating tension between IT and other lines of business

There’s significant misalignment over who owns the AI strategy. Collaboration between IT and business leaders is critical, yet 72% of executives say AI solutions are being developed in a silo.                       

AI champions are crucial to accelerate and enhance adoption

More than 1 out of every 4 employees using AI consider themselves a champion. And 95% of champions are already building tools for their companies or are eager to start.                       

The future belongs to the enterprises that can turn AI enthusiasm into business reinvention. Generative AI holds transformative potential, but it’s also creating deep rifts within companies that are relying on a patchwork of point solutions or developing internal apps in a silo.

Learn how to break down silos, navigate tension, and activate champions to unlock the transformative potential of AI at work.