Managers may be encouraging employees to use artificial intelligence (AI) at work, but their own use of AI could be affecting how employees perceive their competence and judgement. A 2026 survey by Omni Calculator found that 42 per cent of employees view managers who rely on AI as less competent, while 36 per cent said they trust such managers’ judgement less.
The survey covered 913 US employees across sectors including healthcare, education, finance and technology. It examined how workers respond when managers use AI for their own tasks and communications.
The findings suggest that AI use can also affect the personal connection between managers and employees. About 68 per cent of respondents said messages assisted by AI feel less personal than those written without it. More than half, or 52 per cent, said they had received an AI-assisted answer, decision or feedback from their manager in the past year. Around 12 per cent said this happened several times a week.
Gen Z employees were particularly critical. Among this group, 76 per cent said AI-assisted communication from managers feels less personal, 58 per cent viewed AI-using managers as less competent and 51 per cent said they trusted them less.
Employees also reported that managers are using AI for tasks beyond routine communication. Around 35 per cent said their managers use AI for project or workflow planning, while 32 per cent reported its use for day-to-day messages and emails. However, 27 per cent said managers had used AI to prepare performance reviews or feedback, while 13 per cent had seen it used for conflict or sensitive issues and 12 per cent for coaching or career advice.
Use of AI is also entering strategic decision-making. About 26 per cent of employees said their managers had used AI to set strategy or goals, while 18 per cent said managers had relied on it for workplace decisions. Half of respondents said their manager had used AI to answer a question or make a decision that they felt the manager should have handled personally.
The survey also found that employees are often able to identify AI-generated communication. Around 45 per cent said a message that does not sound like the manager’s usual voice is the clearest indicator, while 40 per cent pointed to a generic or robotic tone.
The findings highlight a growing challenge for managers: while AI can support productivity, using it for tasks that require personal judgement, context and accountability could come at the cost of employee trust.
