Almost one-third of employees utilizing generative artificial intelligence tools in the UK are doing so discreetly, either to maintain a competitive edge or due to fears of job loss.

A study conducted by Ivanti, a US enterprise software firm, has found that 29 percent of UK workers are secretly employing AI solutions in their workplaces without informing their employers.

Amid rising concerns surrounding the cybersecurity risks linked to unregulated AI deployment, its adoption continues to accelerate in the UK. Recent data indicates that almost half — 49 percent — of UK employees reported using AI at work in 2025, a significant increase from 32 percent the previous year.

In a job market that has stagnated, with vacancies reaching a four-year low in the first quarter, 28 percent of participants expressed anxiety about job security if their employers learned about their use of AI. Conversely, 38 percent appreciated the perceived “secret advantage” it afforded them.

The study also highlighted a notable psychological effect, with approximately one in four (27 percent) acknowledging feelings of “AI-fueled impostor syndrome,” fearing that others might doubt their capabilities.

Brooke Johnson, Ivanti’s chief legal counsel, cautioned that employees using technology without appropriate guidelines or authorization risk inviting cyber threats, breaching company policies, or compromising sensitive information. She emphasized the necessity for organizations to create a transparent governance system, given that many workers seek more AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity.

“Employers who neglect to foster innovation with empathy and grant employees autonomy risk losing valuable talent and undermining productivity,” Johnson remarked.

The research also revealed deeper dissatisfaction among the workforce. Forty-four percent of employees reported experiences of “resentmentism” — continuing in a role they no longer enjoy — while 35 percent engaged in “presenteeism,” attending work primarily to be seen rather than to be productive.

Presenteeism can manifest in various ways, such as logging into work significantly before official hours or manipulating a mouse to keep workplace messaging apps like Slack visible as “active”.

Findings point to a disconnect between what leaders expect from their teams and what employees prioritize. While many executives believe returning to the office will enhance productivity, employees increasingly favor flexibility in their work arrangements, including adjustable hours or opportunities to leave early for personal commitments.

Half of UK employees indicated they would contemplate resigning for more flexible work options, with 61 percent perceiving rigid schedules as a sign of their employer’s disregard. This shift highlights a growing demand for flexibility and autonomy within the workplace.