'The challenge is not a lack of technology, but a lack of alignment with the realities of work': Study claims workers are using unapproved AI tools at work, despite knowing the risks

Date:
Thu, 21 May 2026 09:10:31 +0000

Description:
Over two-thirds of workers think their organisation does not adequately support AI use - and this has to change.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Many workers still can't get to grips with AI at work, and disconnect with leaders isn't helping Mitel finds 71% have used non-approved communication tools for work-related purposes And 71% of workers say they feel pressured to make it work with tools not
designed for their needs Workers are struggling to understand how to best use AI tools for their daily tasks due to a widening disconnect between employers and their employees, new research has claimed.

A new study from Mitel found that AI tools are often misaligned with how employees actually work, leading to widespread frustration. This is leading many workers to bring in their own familiar tools from outside of work, potentially opening up their organization to security threats and other
risks. Latest Videos From You may like Many firms don't know what their workers are sharing with AI tools Major study claims white-collar workers are fighting back against AI in the workplace Workers are spending a whole day every week managing AI tools AI clash The study found 71% of workers
admitting to have used non-approved communication tools for work-related purposes, increasing the risk of the likes of data exposure, compliance breaches, cybersecurity threats, and a loss of visibility and control.

A similar proportion (71%) said they felt pressured to just make it work with tools not designed for their needs, showing the apparent disconnect or disinterest from senior management.

Overall, while just over half (51%) of workers said they regularly use AI tools, only 37% reported feeling very comfortable using them in their day-to-day work - with 70% saying they felt their organization does not adequately support AI use.

Organisations are making significant investments in AI, communication infrastructure, and modernisation," said Eric Hanson, CMO at Mitel. "Yet more than half of employees report that these tools fall short at the moments that matter most. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners
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"The challenge is not a lack of technology, but a lack of alignment with the realities of work. In fast-moving, high-pressure, and increasingly mobile environments, communication must be immediate, reliable and context-appropriate or it risks breaking down precisely when it is needed most."

"Closing the experience gap is now essential to reclaiming control and ensuring that communication investments translate into real-world performance and impact." Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-challenge-is-not-a-lack-of-technology-but-a- lack-of-alignment-with-the-realities-of-work-study-claims-workers-are-using-un approved-ai-tools-at-work-despite-knowing-the-risks


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