New report reveals 'psychological warfare' from AI adoption
Employees across the world are "gatekeeping" knowledge amid fears that they could be replaced in the era of artificial intelligence, according to a new report from Adaptavist.
The report, which surveyed 4,000 workers in four countries, revealed the "psychological warfare" in the workplace as a result of job insecurity stemming from AI adoption.
"Concerns about its impact on skills and job security are leading to psychological warfare, with employees 'gatekeeping' personal strengths," the report said.
It revealed that 35% of employees are hoarding knowledge for fear of being replaced, while 38% are reluctant to train colleagues in areas they see as personal strengths.
"[This creates] a vicious cycle: the very behaviours intended to protect jobs actually increase organisational vulnerability to knowledge loss," the report stated.
Neal Riley, Innovation Lead, The Adaptavist Group, told employers to create incentives for knowledge-sharing over hoarding to prevent employees from gatekeeping knowledge.
They should also encourage teams to foster an environment where employees feel safe to speak up and share ideas, according to Riley.
"Knowledge is a team sport that loses its value the moment it's hoarded or walks out the door," he said.
"The report confirms that when organisations embed AI with this structured approach, they build cultures where employees feel part of the journey. The result is a healthier, more engaged, and resilient workplace, one where technology supports people, rather than the other way around."
Job security fears
Knowledge hoarding comes as organisations implement AI in their workplaces, triggering widespread job insecurity in the workforce.
According to the report, 20% of employees are directly experiencing stress and anxiety due to their fear of being replaced by AI, with the figure rising to 40% when it comes to Gen Zs.
Older workers, who hold valuable knowledge about an organisation, are also still vulnerable to this insecurity. The report found that 26% of workers aged 55 and above are also worried about being replaced by AI.
Despite their fears, however, 60% of the respondents said their company would struggle to replace their skillset if they left. Three in five are also concerned about losing critical knowledge when their colleagues exit the business.
"Workers are understandably concerned about the personal impact AI could have on them and their jobs, making it critical that business leaders act thoughtfully and empathetically when it comes to AI adoption," Riley said.
"The onus is on these leaders to implement AI training and upskilling, alongside proper change management, to show employees how their careers can evolve alongside the technology."
