As generative AI (GenAI) reshapes workplaces worldwide, European employees are falling behind their North American peers in adoption and confidence, according to new research from Perceptyx, the AI-driven Employee Experience (EX) company. The study surveyed over 3,600 employees across Europe and North America, revealing that while optimism about AI is high, European workers face significant readiness gaps and concerns around fairness and managerial support.
“AI adoption in Europe is all about building confidence, trust, and capability,” said Sam Dawson, Senior Director of Workforce Transformation at Perceptyx. “Employees want straight talk about how AI will change their jobs, but silence and unclear guidance are slowing adoption.”
Key Findings: Europe vs. North America
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AI adoption lags: Only 8% of European employees report that their organisations are fully leveraging AI, compared with 17% in North America. Meanwhile, 19% of Europeans want to use AI but haven’t had the opportunity—revealing a substantial untapped demand for tools and training.
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Trust and fairness gaps: Just 57% of European employees believe AI-driven decisions are fair, versus 62% in North America, and only 59% understand how adoption decisions are made.
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Manager enablement lags: Only 57% of European workers feel their managers actively help navigate AI-driven change, compared with 66% in North America.
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Generational divides: Gen Z employees in Europe experiment with AI the most but report the lowest trust in how organisations deploy these tools, highlighting both a risk and an opportunity for targeted engagement.
Turning Hesitation Into Opportunity
The Perceptyx study highlights the importance of human-centered AI adoption:
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Transparent communication: Clearly explain AI tools, impacts on roles, and decision-making processes.
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Manager enablement: Equip managers to guide teams through AI-driven changes effectively.
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Equity and fairness safeguards: Ensure AI tools and decisions are applied fairly across the workforce.
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Employee experience insights: Use listening tools to identify gaps and translate feedback into actionable programs.
“Trust is the real currency of GenAI,” Dawson added. “By prioritizing communication, manager support, and fairness, European organisations can accelerate adoption, boost engagement, and strengthen workforce resilience.”
The Bigger Picture
This research marks Perceptyx’s first large-scale global benchmark on AI readiness, offering evidence-based guidance for leaders to integrate AI successfully into the workplace while maintaining employee engagement. For European organisations, the message is clear: without deliberate strategies centered on trust, transparency, and fairness, AI adoption may stall, risking disengagement at a pivotal moment in the future of work.
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