What: A significant portion of US employees prefer human involvement over AI in hiring and performance decisions, citing concerns about bias and transparency.

Why it is important: This trend highlights a widespread need for organizations to balance AI efficiency with human judgment, as reflected in recent industry analyses.

Despite the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in workplace processes, many US employees remain wary of its growing influence, particularly in areas that directly affect their careers. According to a recent survey by SHL, a leading talent insight and assessment firm, 74% of workers indicated that being interviewed by an AI agent would alter their perception of a company, with a notable split between those viewing it as impersonal and those seeing it as innovative. While most employees are open to AI tools that improve efficiency and consistency, they strongly value transparency and human accountability, especially in decisions related to hiring and performance evaluation. The survey also revealed that only 27% of respondents fully trust their employers to use AI responsibly, and 59% believe AI is exacerbating bias rather than reducing it. These findings underscore a clear preference for human oversight in critical workplace decisions, reflecting broader concerns about fairness, respect, and the potential for technology to alienate rather than engage employees. As AI becomes more embedded in organizational practices, companies face increasing pressure to ensure responsible implementation and maintain employee trust. 

IADS Notes: The SHL survey’s findings on the AI trust gap among US workers closely mirror recent insights from ERE Media, Inside Retail, Journal du Net, Stanford Digital Economy Lab, and BCG. In September 2025, ERE Media examined how AI hiring tools, while efficient, introduce risks of bias and legal challenges, making human oversight essential. That same month, Inside Retail warned against the industry’s over-reliance on AI, stressing the importance of balancing automation with human engagement and transparency. Journal du Net’s July 2025 report demonstrated that human-centric AI, guided by clear policies and employee training, leads to better customer service and higher retention rates. Stanford Digital Economy Lab’s September 2025 analysis highlighted how generative AI is reshaping employment, particularly in entry-level roles, and emphasized the value of augmenting rather than replacing human talent. Finally, BCG’s April 2025 commentary argued that structured human oversight is crucial for effective AI implementation, as automation bias and lack of context can undermine both efficiency and trust. Together, these sources reinforce the need for transparency and human involvement in all AI-driven processes.

US workers report a ‘major AI trust gap’ that affects their view of companies