As organizations invest billions in AI and employees scramble to implement it, there’s a new phenomenon taking shape. Many corporate professionals are quietly leveraging AI tools on a daily basis. Not only that—they are keeping it a secret.
According to Ivanti’s recent 2025 Technology at Work Report, nearly one-third of employees using AI tools at work keep it a secret from their employers. This revelation comes at a time when AI adoption has increased dramatically—from 26% of employees using AI at work in 2024 to 42% in 2025.
The obvious question is, what is driving professionals to conceal their AI usage? Here’s a look at the psychology behind the secrecy and what this hidden AI productivity means for the future of work.
The Psychology Behind AI Productivity Secrecy
The research uncovered three primary reasons employees keep their AI productivity hidden:
- 36% of employees enjoy having a “secret advantage” over their colleagues. In competitive workplace environments, AI tools provide an edge that some people are reluctant to share.
- 30% worry that their jobs may be eliminated if employers discover that AI can perform portions of their work. This fear reflects broader anxieties about automation and job security that accompany the increase in AI use. According to a Pew Research survey, over half of workers (52%) worry about the future impact of AI in the workplace, while 32% think it will lead to fewer job opportunities in the long run.
- 27% experience what researchers call “AI-fueled imposter syndrome,” expressing that they “don’t want people to question their ability.” This psychological dimension reveals how deeply intertwined our professional identities are with the work we produce.
The AI Productivity Paradox
While companies invest heavily in AI implementations, they often miss valuable insights about how employees actually leverage these tools to boost productivity. This disconnect is especially evident in the IT sector. Despite 74% of IT professionals using AI tools, fewer than half of organizations deploy AI and automation for scenarios where it proves highly effective:
- 42% use AI for predictive IT maintenance
- 41% employ it for automating routine self-service tasks
- 36% utilize AI for detecting traffic anomalies and threats
Beyond that, employees are concerned that increased productivity will lead to more work without additional recognition or rewards. According to the research, 52% of office workers agree with the statement, “When I work more efficiently, my employer gives me more work.” This creates an incentive structure where employees feel punished rather than rewarded for productivity gains. It also explains why 46% of office workers report using AI tools that aren’t employer-provided. When productivity enhancements are perceived as potentially harmful to one’s career, employees naturally seek solutions that stay under the radar.
The AI Security Risks
A serious downside to the unauthorized use of AI tools is that it creates significant security vulnerabilities. Employees using unapproved AI platforms may inadvertently expose sensitive company data to systems that don’t meet organizational security standards. As Brooke Johnson, Ivanti’s Chief Legal Counsel and SVP of HR and Security, notes, “Employees adopting this technology without proper guidelines or approval could be fueling threat actors, violating company contracts, and risking valuable company IP.” This security concern adds urgency to addressing the secrecy of AI use.
Bridging the AI Trust Gap
For organizations that want to utilize the full potential of AI while addressing employee concerns, several approaches can help bridge the trust gap:
Create transparent AI policies
Clear guidelines about acceptable AI tool usage can help employees feel more comfortable using these technologies openly. These policies should address data security concerns while encouraging innovation.
Address the “productivity penalty” perception
Organizations need to ensure that employees who enhance their productivity through AI are rewarded rather than simply assigned more work. This might involve revisiting performance metrics and compensation structures.
Provide comprehensive AI training
The research found that 44% of professionals say their companies have invested in AI, but employees lack adequate training to use these tools effectively. Closing this skills gap can help normalize AI usage.
Recognize the psychological implications
Addressing imposter syndrome requires creating a culture where using AI tools is seen as skill enhancement rather than skill replacement. Leaders should acknowledge that AI proficiency is a valuable skill and celebrate employees who effectively leverage these tools to deliver better outcomes.
Transforming Hidden AI Productivity
The fact that nearly one-third of employees keep their AI-driven productivity a secret represents both a challenge and an opportunity for organizations. The challenge lies in addressing employee concerns, including fears about job security, professional identity, and the “productivity penalty.” The opportunity comes in maximizing the innovative ways employees already use AI at work. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations must rethink how they measure and reward productivity. The future belongs not to organizations that simply deploy AI tools but to those that develop new productivity models focused on outcomes rather than processes.
Forbes
