Workers wary of AI use in payroll: survey

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in business, a significant number of U.S. employees remain uneasy about its use in payroll management, according to new survey.

One-third (34%) of respondents are either somewhat or very uncomfortable with AI calculating their pay. Out of 22,464 individuals who answered this question, 7,588 expressed reservations about AI’s role in determining their wages.

Concerns are even more pronounced when it comes to AI handling payroll-related questions. Of those surveyed by PayrollOrg, 45%—or 10,108 respondents—said they would be somewhat or very uncomfortable with AI tools responding to their payroll inquiries, preferring human interaction for these matters.

“While AI is reshaping the workplace, trust in it to manage pay remains low. That's a clear signal that technology alone is not enough,” said Teresa Smith, director of human insights at UKG.

“It must be anchored in thoughtful processes and designed with people at the center.”

The survey polled over 25,900 people nationwide in September.

AI increasingly popular in payroll

A separate survey by MHR earlier this year found that 88% are already using AI in their payroll processes. The top benefits include reduced errors, automated tasks, and enhanced data security.

And 73% of payroll professionals predict that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the function over the next year.

““New solutions must still be complemented with the human touch to sense-check data and have final oversight across such a critical function. By enabling the payroll function through a balance of the right solutions and training, leaders can empower people to work smarter,” said MHR CEO Anton Roe.

More than half of Canadian workers (53 percent) say they’re comfortable using AI tools, up from 45 percent in 2024, finds a separate survey. But that number jumps to 75 percent for those with:

• organizational policies (78%)
• access to work-approved tools (75%)
• access to training (75%).