78% of Managers Use AI for Employee Feedback, Study Finds
A new Highwire study reveals that a significant majority of managers utilize AI for preparing feedback, but employees are often unaware, raising concerns about trust.
A recent study by professional development firm Highwire found that 78 percent of managers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to help prepare employee feedback or performance reviews over the past year. The survey included responses from 1,034 U.S. corporate professionals.
The research highlights a significant disconnect, with only 16 percent of employees reporting they were informed that AI played a role in their most recent review. This lack of transparency raises questions about trust, as employees may be uncertain whether feedback originates from their manager or a machine.
Furthermore, the study indicated that 34 percent of employees felt their feedback had become more generic since AI integration. This trend suggests a potential erosion of personalized leadership and a weakening of the manager-employee relationship.
The findings underscore the importance of human leadership. Emotionally intelligent leaders provide personalized feedback, offer specific examples, and engage in two-way conversations about employee growth. Relying on AI-generated talking points risks diminishing trust and engagement.
Highwire's research suggests that while AI can be a tool to support managers, it should not replace the essential human elements of leadership. Transparency and a focus on personal interaction are crucial for maintaining trust and fostering employee development.