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Gen Z Workers Secretly Use AI Despite Workplace Restrictions, Survey Finds

• By John K. Waters
• 06/29/2025

Nearly two in five Generation Z workers are using artificial intelligence to automate workplace tasks without their managers' knowledge, according to a new survey that reveals how the youngest employees are quietly transforming office practices.

The study of 1,000 full-time Gen Z employees found that 39% have used AI to automate tasks behind their manager's back, while 57% run their work through AI systems before presenting it to supervisors. The findings suggest a generational divide in how artificial intelligence is being adopted in American workplaces.

Generation Z, defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, appears to have integrated AI tools more deeply into daily work routines than many employers realize. The survey found that 60% of Gen Z workers say AI helps them complete tasks faster and with less effort, while 56% use it to determine how to communicate with bosses and colleagues.

The research, conducted by Resume Genius between April and May 2025, indicates that 18% of Gen Z workers would consider leaving their jobs if AI tools were banned in the workplace. The company, which has provided career services since 2009, surveyed participants across various demographics to understand AI adoption patterns among younger workers.

Widespread but Hidden Usage
The data reveals extensive AI usage across multiple workplace functions. Three-quarters of Gen Z workers use AI for brainstorming and generating creative ideas, while 68% employ it for writing and editing reports and emails. Additionally, 62% use AI for creating digital content and presentations, and 61% apply it to analyze large datasets.

However, the survey uncovered concerning patterns of undisclosed AI use. Twenty-eight percent of Gen Z workers have submitted AI-generated work as their own without disclosure, with 41% of those individuals indicating they would repeat this behavior. Male workers showed higher rates of such practices, with 40% admitting to passing off AI work as their own compared to 20% of women.

The gender divide extends across AI usage patterns. Men consistently reported higher usage rates across all categories, with 85% using AI for brainstorming compared to 67% of women. Male workers also showed greater willingness to violate company policies, with 52% automating tasks without approval versus 30% of women.

Mental Health Concerns Emerge
Despite productivity gains, the survey identified negative psychological impacts from AI adoption. Twenty-three percent of Gen Z workers reported that AI use has negatively affected their mental health, while 39% said frequent AI updates cause burnout.

The technology appears to create both dependency and anxiety among young workers. Thirty-seven percent said AI makes them feel replaceable, while 49% expressed concern about AI leading to unfair or biased workplace decisions. These concerns were particularly pronounced among male workers, with 50% saying they need AI to manage their workload compared to 30% of women.
Resume Genius, which has been featured in major publications including The New York Times and Forbes, found that women were more likely to experience emotional fatigue from AI adoption, with 41% reporting burnout from constant updates compared to 35% of men.

Communication Replacement
The survey revealed that Gen Z workers increasingly turn to AI instead of human colleagues for workplace guidance. Fifty-six percent use AI for advice on communicating with managers or coworkers, while 55% employ it to interpret workplace messages and communications.

This trend extends to career development, with 53% using AI for career decisions including salary negotiations and promotion discussions. Half of respondents use AI to understand company policies rather than consulting human resources departments.

The reliance on AI for communication appears to reflect broader workplace relationship challenges. Fifty-one percent of Gen Z workers use AI to navigate workplace conflicts, suggesting that artificial intelligence has become a substitute for traditional mentorship and guidance relationships.

Resistance to Restrictions
When asked about potential workplace AI bans, Gen Z workers showed significant resistance. Only 52% said they would support such restrictions, while 48% indicated opposition. More concerning for employers, 51% said they would continue using AI on personal devices outside work hours if banned, and 33% admitted they would violate workplace prohibitions by continuing to use AI on company equipment.

The survey found that 18% of Gen Z workers believe they would need to change jobs entirely if AI were banned, suggesting deep integration of these tools into their work processes. Male workers showed greater resistance to restrictions, with only 46% supporting AI bans compared to 57% of women.

Implications for Employers
The findings suggest that many organizations may be unknowingly benefiting from AI-enhanced productivity while maintaining policies that restrict such usage. The disconnect between official policies and actual practices could create compliance risks and management challenges as AI adoption continues to expand.

The survey indicates that companies face a choice between acknowledging and managing AI adoption or risk losing younger talent to organizations with more permissive policies. The research suggests that Gen Z workers view AI restrictions as barriers to efficiency rather than necessary ethical safeguards.

The study was conducted using Pollfish's Random Device Engagement methodology to ensure representative sampling across gender and age groups within the Gen Z demographic. Data analysis was completed using Python Pandas programming tools.