AI & Cognitive Demand
External empirical finding · Contextual · 2026
Employees report morale and stated-intention concerns around unequal AI access
In Mercer's employee survey, 72% said some employees had better access to AI tools and training than others, 56% said unequal access negatively affected morale, and 35% said they would consider leaving if disadvantaged by unequal access.
Research basis
Global online workforce survey. 9,250 employees within a survey of 11,825 respondents across 16 geographies and 16 industries; fielded September to October 2025.
What it supports
Employee-reported concern that uneven access to AI tools and training can affect morale and retention intentions.
Boundary
Verified differences in AI access, a measured effect on morale, or actual employee turnover caused by unequal access.
BOL relevance
Highlights access, trust, and implementation design as organizational conditions that can shape how employees experience AI-enabled work.
Source class
Consulting or industry research
Role in BOL
Contextual
Population context
Employed adults
Evidence basis
Self-reported
Result and methodology checked 26 July 2026.