AI adoption sparks employee dissatisfaction in U.S. workplaces

Glassdoor's latest report reveals a sharp decline in U.S. employee satisfaction with AI, with only 43% expressing positive views by mid-2026, down from 81% in 2019. Negative sentiment rose to 53%, signaling a shift from initial enthusiasm to skepticism. The report highlights a divide between executives, who remain optimistic, and frontline workers, with 57% of software engineers and 98% of insurance claims adjusters expressing dissatisfaction. Concerns include job loss, forced use of immature tools, and excessive surveillance. Gen Z women show the highest skepticism, with just 21% holding a positive view. Large companies with over 10,000 employees report 67% negative sentiment, compared to smaller businesses. Anthropic and the Stanford 2026 AI Index Report note a gap between expert optimism and public perception, with 73% of experts believing AI will benefit the job market, versus 23% of the public. Companies that ignore employee training and trust may face burnout and digital transformation risks. The report underscores the need for balanced AI integration, emphasizing the importance of usability, training, and organizational trust to avoid productivity setbacks and internal conflict.