News Spotlight

Gen Z demands salary transparency. Gen Z is less likely to apply for jobs that don’t include salary information in the listing (Newsweek).

Protect human rights in AI workplaces. Companies need to emphasize transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI decision-making (Fast Company).

Wage growth for job switching has stabilized. Job seekers are facing salary deflation as the pay increases once gained from switching jobs have disappeared (Wall Street Journal).

Stat of the Week

A new study finds that 78% of Fortune 500 HR leaders say they have trouble getting the C-suite to believe in the long-term benefits of childcare.

HR should take a data-driven approach to demonstrate the long-term benefits of childcare to the C-suite. This includes presenting metrics on employee retention, productivity, and engagement linked to family-friendly policies. They should benchmark against competitors offering strong childcare support and highlight the cost savings from reduced turnover and absenteeism. HR can share real employee testimonials and case studies showing the positive impact of childcare benefits on workforce stability. By framing childcare as a strategic investment rather than an expense, HR can align their proposals with business goals and secure executive buy-in.

Deep Dive Article

How to Overcome AI Workplace Struggles to Increase Adoption and ROI

The rise of generative AI in the enterprise has sparked both excitement and division, transforming the workplace in unprecedented ways. As businesses race to harness the potential of AI-driven tools, many are finding that the road to adoption is far from smooth. Power struggles, poor ROI, and a lack of alignment between teams have created significant friction, raising critical questions about how companies can best integrate AI without tearing themselves apart.

This tension is not without consequence. The new 2025 AI Survey: Generative AI Adoption in the Enterprise report by Writer and Workplace Intelligence highlights the deep divisions emerging within organizations, with a striking percentage of executives acknowledging the challenges of implementing Gen AI. Despite these obstacles, the potential for AI to revolutionize business operations remains vast — but only if companies can address the underlying issues and build cohesive strategies.

At the heart of this transformation lies a fundamental need for alignment, investment, and collaboration. By exploring the obstacles and opportunities associated with Gen AI adoption, businesses can lay the groundwork for a more harmonious and productive future. This article delves into the key survey findings and offers insights into how companies can overcome their current struggles to unlock AI’s full potential.

The Friction of AI Adoption: Power Struggles and Poor Alignment

One of the most prominent challenges companies face in adopting Gen AI is the internal power struggle between different departments. According to the survey, 68% of executives reported tension between IT teams and other lines of business. This lack of alignment often results in siloed development efforts, where AI applications are created without input from all stakeholders, leading to fragmented and underperforming tools.

The disconnect extends beyond departmental lines. An alarming 63% of C-suite leaders noted friction between executives and employees, driven by differing perspectives on AI’s role and implementation. This division threatens to undermine the collaborative spirit essential for successful AI adoption, turning what should be a unifying technology into a source of conflict.

As these internal struggles persist, the impact on company morale and productivity becomes increasingly evident. Addressing these issues requires not only strategic alignment but also a commitment to fostering open dialogue and ensuring that all voices are heard in the development and deployment of AI solutions.

The ROI Dilemma: High Investment, Low Returns

Despite the significant financial commitments many companies have made toward AI, the ROI has often fallen short of expectations. The survey revealed that 73% of organizations are investing at least $1 million annually in Gen AI technology, yet only around one-third have seen substantial returns.

This gap between spending and results can often be attributed to the quality of AI tools in use. Over a third of employees (35%) reported paying out-of-pocket for the AI tools they prefer, indicating dissatisfaction with the solutions provided by their employers. Such a scenario not only reflects poorly on company-provided resources but also suggests a missed opportunity to standardize and optimize AI capabilities across the organization.

The challenge of achieving meaningful ROI underscores the importance of selecting the right AI vendors and developing a cohesive strategy for tool implementation. Without these elements, businesses risk continued underperformance and employee disengagement.

Employee Retaliation and Resistance

As companies push forward with AI adoption, they must also contend with growing resistance from their workforce. The survey found that 31% of employees — including 41% of Gen Z workers — admitted to actively sabotaging their company’s AI strategy, whether by refusing to use AI tools or rejecting AI-generated outputs.

This backlash often stems from fears about job displacement, mistrust in AI’s capabilities, and dissatisfaction with the tools available. Addressing these concerns requires more than just technological solutions; it calls for transparent communication, robust training programs, and efforts to demonstrate the value of AI in enhancing, rather than replacing, human work.

Strategies for Successful AI Adoption

Despite the challenges, the survey also identifies clear strategies for improving AI adoption and maximizing its benefits. One key factor is the activation of AI champions — employees who embrace AI and drive its adoption across the organization. Among workers using AI, 77% are either current or potential AI champions. And these champions are builders too, with 98% of AI champions saying they've either helped develop AI tools for their companies (59%) or would like to do so (39%).

Another critical element is the development of a comprehensive, organization-wide AI strategy. Companies with formal AI plans reported an 80% success rate in implementation, compared to just 37% among those without such strategies. This stark contrast highlights the importance of clear vision and coordinated effort in achieving effective AI integration.

Investing in the right tools and partnerships also plays a vital role. The survey found that 98% of C-suite leaders believe AI vendors should help shape their company’s AI vision. However, 94% expressed dissatisfaction with their current vendors, pointing to a significant opportunity for improvement in vendor support and collaboration.

Unlock the full benefits of enterprise AI

The adoption of Gen AI presents both immense opportunities and formidable challenges for enterprises. While the technology’s potential to drive innovation and efficiency is undeniable, the journey to successful implementation requires careful navigation of internal dynamics, investment decisions, and employee engagement.

By addressing power struggles, improving ROI, and fostering a culture of collaboration, businesses can unlock the full benefits of AI while minimizing disruption. The key lies in aligning stakeholders around a shared vision, empowering AI champions, and selecting the right tools and partners to support their strategy.

As companies continue to explore the possibilities of Gen AI, those that prioritize human-centered approaches and strategic alignment will be best positioned to lead in this transformative era. With thoughtful planning and committed execution, the promise of AI-driven growth and innovation can become a reality.

To view the full findings, download Writer’s ​Generative AI Adoption in the Enterprise ​report.

Thanks for reading — be sure to join the conversation on LinkedIn and let me know your thoughts on this topic!

Quote of the Week

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.”
​Michael Jordan