A new study referenced in the book Entanglement: Navigating Complexity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence reports that while most professionals believe artificial intelligence improves workplace efficiency, many remain concerned about risks associated with the technology.
The research, conducted by technology researcher and strategic business advisor Marigo Raftopoulos, surveyed professionals working with AI-enabled technologies in Europe and the United States. The pilot study included responses from 305 professionals in Europe and 309 in the United States.
Results show that 71% of respondents believe AI performs “very” or “extremely” well, particularly due to the ability to save time and improve processes, accuracy, and efficiency. However, 84% expressed concerns about risks, including cybersecurity threats, military applications, job losses, privacy issues, and other potential impacts.
Despite strong perceptions of AI performance and acceptance of workplace use, many respondents reported uncertainty regarding personal empowerment in environments where AI adoption is increasing. Nearly two-thirds of participants, 63%, reported feeling only moderately empowered or not very empowered in their roles as AI systems expand within organizations.
Survey responses reflected generally positive attitudes toward AI’s role in workplace productivity, collaboration, and innovation. More than half of respondents (52%) expressed clearly positive views, describing AI automation as beneficial, capable of freeing time and resources, and likely to become a common workplace tool. Another 40% expressed conditional support, noting that AI must be used correctly, remains difficult to trust fully, and continues to require human supervision. Only 4% expressed negative views, while another 4% indicated uncertainty.
When respondents were asked to evaluate AI as a potential workplace collaborator or team member, opinions were more cautious. Only 12% viewed AI positively in this role, citing benefits such as speed, reliability, and improved productivity. Around 40% offered conditional responses, indicating that AI must become more trustworthy, reliable, or capable of natural communication before functioning effectively as a collaborator. Nearly 44% rejected the idea, emphasizing that AI remains a tool rather than a substitute for human team members.
Respondents also identified several societal concerns linked to AI adoption. Cybersecurity threats and technology misuse were cited by 40% of participants, while 24% raised concerns about job losses, worker displacement, and loss of professional skills. Ethical issues—including privacy risks, military uses of AI, biased or misappropriated datasets and technology ownership by a limited number of companies—were mentioned by 8% of respondents. Another 12% expressed concern about a perceived loss of human qualities such as empathy and emotional intelligence. Sixteen percent reported no significant concerns.
The research also examined how individual perspectives influence willingness to adopt advanced AI technologies in professional settings. Findings indicate that hesitation toward AI adoption appears across demographic groups and is not strongly influenced by factors such as age, gender, education, or location.
Attitudes toward AI adoption appear to exist along a spectrum. Some individuals view the technology as an opportunity, while others approach it with caution due to perceived risks and limitations.
Concerns about adoption often relate to limitations in current AI systems, the adequacy of organizational implementation strategies, and perceived changes in the relationship between employers and employees as AI becomes integrated into workplace processes.
The study emphasizes the role of education and training in strengthening AI adoption. AI literacy programs and workplace training initiatives can help employees understand AI capabilities and limitations while reducing concerns about job displacement and loss of autonomy.
Long-term investment strategies and more holistic approaches to implementation were also highlighted as important factors. Successful adoption of AI technologies depends on integration with existing organizational structures while maintaining a focus on employee well-being and workplace empowerment.
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