As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in daily operations, employee anxiety is rising alongside optimism about its potential, a new study by MetLife finds, highlighting a growing paradox in today’s workplace.
According to the 24th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS), AI adoption has reached a tipping point, with 80% of employers reporting that AI tools are now part of everyday tasks. A further 83% say the technology is helping employees work faster and more efficiently, underscoring its expanding role in driving productivity.
Yet, the study reveals a workforce increasingly uneasy about the broader implications of this shift. Around 61% of employees expressed concerns about ethical and safety risks such as bias, misinformation, and lack of accountability, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, 59% fear that AI will render jobs or skills obsolete faster than new opportunities emerge, and nearly a quarter (24%) feel they are directly competing with AI in the workplace.
Employers themselves acknowledge the growing tension. About 67% say AI is creating new friction or mistrust between employees and management, while 54% admit they are struggling to keep pace with evolving employee expectations in an AI-driven work environment.
Shurawl Sibblies, Chief Human Resources Officer at MetLife, said organisations are still grappling with what AI integration means in practice. “As AI is rapidly becoming a more significant part of everyday work, many employers are still working through what the integration means for employees and the future of their organisations. As technology reshapes how work gets done and how performance is measured, providing clarity around expectations and development is critical to driving the best outcomes for employees and businesses.”
Beyond productivity, the report points to mounting pressure on employee well-being. A combination of a softer labour market, financial stress, and rapid workplace transformation is contributing to a decline in holistic health. The findings suggest that employees increasingly need support that spans mental, physical, financial, and social well-being, especially during periods of uncertainty.
Todd Katz, Head of Group Benefits at MetLife, noted that employers must rethink how they support their workforce in an AI-enabled environment. Benefits, he said, are becoming a critical lever for helping employees manage change, build resilience, and maintain health, while continuous skill development remains essential for long-term success.
The study also highlights a shift in how success is defined at work. While 94% of employers believe human-centric skills such as creativity, collaboration, judgement, and problem-solving will be vital in the next three years, 71% also stress the importance of AI literacy and adaptability.
However, a disconnect persists. Although 91% of employers believe employee contributions are fairly recognised, only 65% of workers agree. More than half of employees (55%) say success is still measured primarily by output, pointing to a need for organisations to move beyond productivity-focused metrics.
The report frames this shift as a “Success Reset,” urging organisations to balance technological advancement with human skills, clearer expectations, and modernised benefits. As AI continues to reshape the workplace, the study suggests that building trust, redefining success, and investing in people will be critical to navigating the next phase of work.