While artificial intelligence is reshaping how work gets done, 83% of job seekers said companies need to formally train employees on how to use AI rather than expecting them to learn independently, according to a survey released April 22 by Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll.

Hiring managers share the same view, with 86% saying formal AI training should be a company priority.

The survey noted that AI use has quickly become widespread. Seventy-nine percent of companies currently use AI, with 43% reporting regular use, up from 72% in the spring of 2025 and 66% two years ago.

“AI adoption is moving faster than most organizational change ever has,” Express Employment International President and Chairman Bob Funk Jr. said in a press release.

Employees are experiencing that shift firsthand. More than half of employed US job seekers, 62%, said their company uses AI, including 22% who said it is part of their regular workflow.

At the same time, 78% of hiring managers said their company has policies regulating AI use, a view shared by an equal share of job seekers whose company uses AI.

Among companies using AI, reliance is increasing quickly. Eighty-nine percent of hiring managers said their company’s dependence on AI tools has grown over the past year. Adoption is highest among white-collar firms at 87% and large employers, with 91% of companies with more than 500 employees using AI.

Additionally, 76% of job seekers said it is appropriate to use AI to learn professional skills, including 27% who said it is completely appropriate.

However, guidance on tools remains inconsistent. While 36% of companies reported providing a list of approved AI tools, 38% allowed employees to use any tools they are familiar with and 21% reported a mix of both approaches.

Despite the training gap, workers remain optimistic. Seventy-five percent said AI tools can help bridge skills gaps and an equal share said they are likely to seek additional training, including 31% who are very likely to do so.

Hiring managers also echoed that optimism, with 81% saying their company already has the tools needed to train new hires in AI-driven workflows.

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