Frequent AI use in the workplace continues to rise, even as overall adoption remains flat, according to newly released Gallup data. The findings show that growth is being driven by employees who already use artificial intelligence regularly, rather than by broader uptake across the workforce—a pattern with implications for laboratory oversight, training, and governance.

Gallup’s data reflect self-reported AI use across the US workforce and are not specific to laboratory roles. However, the findings provide relevant context for laboratory environments, where AI may be encountered both through formally integrated software and instruments and through task-level use by staff for activities such as documentation, data review, or information synthesis.

For lab managers responsible for operational consistency and compliance, the data highlight the importance of understanding where AI use is formally implemented within lab systems versus where it may be occurring informally at the individual level.

Frequent AI use increases while overall adoption remains flat

Gallup reports that daily AI use rose from 10 percent to 12 percent, while frequent AI use—defined as using AI daily or a few times a week—increased to 26 percent. In contrast, total AI use, which includes employees who use AI at least a few times a year, remained unchanged at 46 percent.

Nearly half of US workers report never using AI in their role. This gap suggests that frequent AI use in the workplace is deepening among a limited group of users rather than expanding broadly across organizations.

For laboratory operations, this pattern may result in uneven workflows, inconsistent documentation practices, and differing levels of familiarity with AI-supported tools across teams.

Organizational AI integration remains unchanged

Despite rising individual use, organizational AI integration showed little movement. Thirty-eight percent of employees said their organization has adopted AI tools to improve productivity, efficiency, or quality, while 41 percent said their organization has not implemented AI. An additional 21 percent reported they did not know whether AI had been formally integrated.

This disconnect between individual behavior and organizational awareness highlights a potential governance challenge. In laboratory settings, informal or uncoordinated AI use may complicate validation processes, data integrity requirements, and compliance with quality or regulatory standards.

Role type and work structure shape workplace AI adoption

Workplace AI adoption varies significantly by role type and whether a position is considered remote-capable. Employees in remote-capable roles report substantially higher AI use than those in roles that must be performed on-site.

Advanced Lab Management Certificate

The Advanced Lab Management certificate is more than training—it’s a professional advantage.

Gain critical skills and IACET-approved CEUs that make a measurable difference.

Since mid-2023, total AI use among remote-capable employees has increased to 66 percent, while frequent use has reached 40 percent. In contrast, total AI use among non-remote-capable employees stands at 32 percent, with frequent use at 17 percent.

Because many laboratory roles require physical presence, specialized equipment, and controlled environments, these structural factors may limit where frequent AI use in the workplace is most feasible.

Leaders report higher AI use than frontline staff

Gallup also found widening differences in AI use by seniority. Sixty-nine percent of employees in leadership roles report using AI at least a few times a year, compared with 55 percent of managers and 40 percent of individual contributors. Frequent use among leaders has risen more sharply than among other groups.

For lab managers, this gap may influence expectations around productivity, technology readiness, and training needs. Aligning leadership assumptions with frontline realities will be critical as workplace AI adoption continues to evolve.

What lab managers should consider

The Gallup findings suggest that frequent AI use in the workplace is becoming more entrenched among certain roles, even as organizational AI integration stalls. For laboratory leaders, the data underscore the importance of clarifying AI policies, supporting role-appropriate training, and monitoring how AI tools are being used in practice across teams.

This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.