Generative AI Fuels Conflict Within Companies, New Survey Shows
As generative AI continues its rapid expansion, a new report reveals that its adoption is causing significant upheaval within companies. The 2025 AI Survey, conducted by Writer, a generative AI platform, and research firm Workplace Intelligence, surveyed 1,600 workers and found that the technology is creating internal conflicts, despite widespread investment.
The survey, which included responses from 800 C-suite executives and 800 employees across various sectors, including technology, finance, retail, healthcare, and life sciences, showed that almost 72% of the companies surveyed are investing at least $1 million annually in generative AI.
Returns Not Meeting Expectations
Despite the significant financial commitment, only one-third of the executives reported a considerable return on their investment. This has led to growing frustration. Furthermore, the survey indicated that the implementation of generative AI has sparked division and tension among different teams within organizations.
“Generative AI holds transformative potential for the enterprise, but it can also create deep rifts within organizations that rely on a patchwork of point solutions or IT-built applications developed in a silo,” said May Habib, CEO and co-founder at Writer, in a statement.
Division and Disappointment
Two out of three executives reported that generative AI adoption has led to division between teams, and nearly half (42%) stated that it is “tearing their company apart.”
While executives grapple with expectations, the survey revealed that employees generally view the technology investment more positively. A majority of employees (at least 90%) expressed optimism about their company’s approach to generative AI, and a significant portion of workers (35%) fund AI tools out-of-pocket.
The Future of AI in the Workplace
The survey highlights how critical AI is becoming to the business world. The majority of employees (81%) and almost all of the C-suite executives (97%) said finding a company that uses generative AI is an important factor when looking for a new position.
Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, stated, “The companies who will lead in the next era of AI adoption are the ones putting the right processes and systems in place today.” He further stressed the importance of change management, support for AI among employees, and making the right investments in AI tools.
To mitigate the divisions caused by AI adoption, Habib suggests a clear, company-wide strategy and partnering with vendors who offer training and best-use-case examples. This approach would ideally benefit both company goals and the interests of employees.
