Workers want creative AI tools but usage lags significantly, Adobe survey finds
Despite 90% of US workers wanting to use creative AI tools, only 9% report actually implementing them in their workflows, according to a new Adobe survey.
A significant gap exists between employee interest in creative artificial intelligence tools and their actual adoption in the workplace, a new Adobe survey reveals.
The survey of over 1,000 full-time US employees found that while 90% wish to use creative AI for tasks like image generation and brainstorming, only 9% are currently integrating these tools into their daily work. Most employees are currently using AI for more technical tasks such as summarizing documents and analyzing data.
Despite the low adoption of creative AI, a majority of workers remain optimistic about its potential. 72% believe AI could make them more creative, and among those already using creative AI tools, 73% report an enhanced ability to convey complex ideas. Employees estimate they spend an average of 7.5 hours per week on tasks that could benefit from creative AI, yet only a third would like to use it for image and video generation but do not.
Several factors contribute to this disparity. Nearly half (47%) of workers feel unsure how creative AI applies to their specific jobs. Other barriers include a lack of training or resources, unclear company policies (29%), difficulties integrating AI into workflows (27%), and the cost of tools (26%). Industry adoption also varies, with tech sectors reporting higher usage than education.
To bridge this gap, Adobe suggests clear examples of AI application, better integration, employer-provided training, and assurances about data privacy could help increase adoption. Companies need to balance potential creative gains with the risk of overreliance and ensure that human critical thinking remains central to innovation.