Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of our workplaces, particularly in managerial roles. A recent study conducted by Resume Now reveals that a significant number of US workers now trust AI managers over humans, with many believing that AI-led management could lead to fairer and more efficient workplaces.
According to the survey, 66% of American workers believe that AI management could improve fairness and efficiency.
AI as the solution for fairness
The growing trust in AI for managerial roles shows a shift in how workers view leadership. A majority of employees, 73%, support AI involvement in critical business decisions such as hiring and budgeting.
while 55% believe AI could make better promotion decisions than humans.
This shows an increasing willingness among workers to embrace AI for logic-based, administrative tasks, reserving emotional and motivational roles for human managers.
AI’s potential to reduce favouritism and increase decision-making based on data, rather than intuition.
AI’s role in leadership is not without its boundaries. Many workers are still hesitant about AI’s capacity for team motivation and empathy, with 64% of employees stating that human managers are better suited for motivating teams.
Additionally, 57% believe that only humans can truly empathise with employees.
Growing adoption of AI tools
AI tools are rapidly being adopted in workplaces, with 78% of workers using AI in some capacity on the job, even without clear company policies in place. Yet, this widespread usage has raised concerns.
According to a survey by cybersecurity firm Anagram, 45% of employees admit to using AI tools banned by their employers, pointing to a lack of oversight and regulation in the use of AI at work.
Many workers are optimistic about the efficiency AI could bring; however, concerns persist about potential job displacement.
A February 2025 Pew Research Centre survey found that 52% of US workers worry about AI’s future impact on the workforce, with 32% fearing it could lead to fewer job opportunities in the long run.
For businesses to fully realise AI’s potential, leaders will need to invest in training, transparency, and organisational changes. The demand for clearer AI practices and safeguards is evident, with 85% of workers stating that increased AI transparency would increase more trust in its deployment.