Nearly a third (32%) of employees using GenAI tools at work say they are keeping it a secret from their employer, new research from Ivanti says.

The enterprise software company surveyed over 6,000 office workers and 1,200 IT and cybersecurity professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities in the modern workforce, ranging from new technologies, hybrid working, and geopolitical issues.

Amid economic turbulence, a stagnating job market, return-to-office mandates, and fewer opportunities to climb the corporate career ladder, the Ivanti report finds that a significant number of employees are feeling heightened concerns around the use of technology to enhance productivity, as well as job dissatisfaction and a lack of motivation at work.

In fact, Ivanti found that 30% of employees who use GenAI tools at work worry their job may be cut and 27% experience AI-fueled imposter syndrome, saying they don’t want people to question their ability.

“Ivanti’s research shows that employees continue to want greater autonomy over their work lives and AI solutions that help them do their best work,” said Brooke Johnson, Ivanti chief legal counsel and SVP of HR and Security.

“To address this, organizations should consider building a sustainable AI governance model, prioritizing transparency and tackling the complex challenge of AI-fueled imposter syndrome through reinvention.

“Employers who fail to approach innovation with empathy and provide employees with autonomy run the risk of losing valuable staff and negatively impacting employee productivity.”

More employees admit to using GenAI at work in 2025 (42%) compared to 2024 (26%), despite concerns expressed about GenAI’s impact on job security.

Additionally, 48% of employees admit feeling resenteeism (when someone dislikes their job but stays despite the negative feelings).

Further, 39% admit to presenteeism (when an employee comes into the office to be ‘seen’ as working, but not necessarily to be productive.

For IT professionals, if left unaddressed, resenteeism and presenteeism can have a ripple effect on the productivity and security of the organization.

Although 83% of IT professionals view flexible work as high-value or essential, only 25% say their current job is highly flexible and 64% say they’re feeling pressure from employers to come back to the office. Considering the ongoing competition for skilled IT workers, it is crucial for employers to make efforts to retain these employees.

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Further, while return-to-office mandates are increasing, 85% of employees log in remotely during non-work hours, for instance, to check emails or complete a work tasks. Employers therefore need to ensure they have the capability to secure and manage all forms of work, even if workers are forced back into the office.

The research also found that younger workers are more likely to switch jobs, with both gen Z (54%) and millennials (53%) saying they would consider quitting in exchange for workplace flexibility.

Nearly half of office workers (48%) claim that when their employer is inflexible about their schedule, it’s a sign they don’t value them or their work, underscoring a significant shift in workplace expectations around flexibility and autonomy.

In 2025, companies will spend trillions on new technology, yet nearly half (46%) of IT professionals report a rise in ticket volumes due to new software deployments. These increase complexity, risk, and technical debt, which can hinder the very innovation they promise. Until organisations gain control over their existing tech stack and break down data silos, AI’s benefits will struggle to be fully realised.