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RESULTS ARE IN

‘The Pulse of Greater Boston Business’ Survey: AI Adoption in the Workplace

Key Findings

AI adoption is accelerating across Greater Boston, with 81% of companies actively integrating or experimenting with AI in their operations.

Top priorities for AI use include increasing productivity, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing data-driven decision-making — though businesses are also navigating challenges like data privacy, internal expertise gaps, and ethical concerns.

Most organizations are preparing employees for AI-driven changes through training and upskilling, but there’s still room for broader workforce readiness and clearer ethical frameworks.

View Report

In March and April 2025, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey on AI Adoption in the Workplace as part of our series—The Pulse of Greater Boston Business—made possible by our sponsor, Benchmark Strategies. This survey set out to understand how companies across our region are integrating AI and automation into their operations. 

With responses from 128 local business leaders representing a range of industries, the results offer a timely snapshot of how AI is shaping the workplace — highlighting key trends, common challenges, and opportunities for growth as organizations navigate this evolving technology. 

 

How Greater Boston Companies Are Approaching AI 

Companies across Greater Boston are adopting AI at different speeds and in different ways: 

  • 43% are actively integrating AI into multiple business functions 
  • 38% are experimenting with AI in select areas 
  • 18% are exploring AI but haven’t yet implemented it 
  • Only 1% report no plans to adopt AI in the near future 

This range of adoption levels underscores the diverse strategies companies are taking — from cautious exploration to full integration. 

 

What’s Driving AI Adoption? 

When asked about their primary goals for implementing AI, respondents cited: 

  • 90% aim to increase productivity and efficiency 
  • 64% look to automate repetitive tasks 
  • 51% seek data-driven decision-making support 
  • 44% hope to reduce operational costs 
  • 42% aim to enhance customer experience 

These findings reflect the broad value businesses see in AI — not just for streamlining workflows but also for enhancing strategic decision-making. 

The Workforce Impact: Early Gains and Lingering Questions 

AI is already leaving its mark on workplace operations: 

  • 63% of businesses report increased efficiency and time savings 
  • 33% have seen no significant impact yet 
  • 24% have seen job role changes but no reductions
  • 7% have experienced job reductions as a result of AI 

While many companies are realizing operational benefits, these results also highlight the uneven and complex nature of AI’s impact on employment. 

 

Top Challenges Companies Face 

Adopting AI comes with hurdles, and local businesses are navigating a mix of technical, ethical, and organizational challenges: 

  • 63% cite data privacy and security concerns as their biggest obstacle 
  • 47% point to a lack of internal expertise 
  • 41% are grappling with ethical considerations and potential bias 
  • 29% face employee resistance to change 
  • 23% identify cost of implementation as a barrier

These responses illustrate that successful AI integration isn’t just about technology — it’s about people, culture, and governance too. 

 

Preparing Employees for an AI-Powered Future 

To get their teams ready for AI-driven changes, organizations are adopting several approaches: 

  • 61% offer AI-related training and upskilling 
  • 24% are bringing in AI specialists or consultants 
  • 17% are redefining job roles to incorporate AI tools 
  • However, 35% report having no specific preparations in place yet 

These findings suggest an opportunity for more businesses to invest in workforce readiness as AI adoption continues to grow. 

Where AI Is Being Used (or Will Be Soon) 

AI is finding a home in a variety of business functions: 

  • 45% in operations and supply chain management 
  • 44% in product development and innovation 
  • 43% in customer service 
  • 43% in marketing and sales automation 
  • 40% in HR and recruitment 

This spread shows AI’s versatility — from behind-the-scenes operations to customer-facing services. 

 

What Resources Would Help? 

When asked what resources would best support effective AI integration, respondents pointed to: 

  • 70% wanting industry best practices and case studies 
  • 67% seeking AI training programs for employees 
  • 49% interested in AI ethics guidelines and frameworks 
  • 38% calling for more government incentives or grants 

These insights signal a strong appetite for practical guidance and support from industry, educators, and policymakers alike

Ethical Concerns Are Top of Mind 

Ethical risks associated with AI remain a pressing concern: 

  • 40% are very concerned 
  • 17% are somewhat concerned 
  • 43% are not concerned 

Bias, misinformation, plagiarism, and job displacement are among the key risks companies are monitoring. 

 

How Companies Are Addressing Ethical Risks 

To tackle these challenges, organizations are taking proactive steps: 

  • 45% have developed or published internal AI ethics policies 
  • 38% provide AI ethics training for employees 
  • 37% consult with legal or compliance experts 
  • 24% partner with external organizations for ethical AI guidance 

These efforts reflect a growing commitment to responsible AI use in the workplace. 

 

How Employees Are Responding to AI 

Employee attitudes toward AI tools vary, but overall receptiveness is strong: 

  • 55% of companies report employees are somewhat receptive 
  • 30% say employees are very receptive 
  • 12% are neutral 
  • Only 3% report employee resistance 

This suggests that, with the right support and communication, most teams are open to AI-enhanced workflows. 

 

Final Thoughts 

The insights from our AI Adoption in the Workplace survey offer valuable benchmarks for Greater Boston businesses as they navigate this fast-changing space. 

Companies are eager to boost productivity, reduce repetitive work, and enhance decision-making with AI — but must also address challenges like data security, talent readiness, and ethical risks. 

As AI adoption accelerates, the path forward will require not just smart technology choices, but thoughtful policies, training, and collaboration. By investing in employee upskilling, clear governance, and responsible AI practices, Greater Boston businesses are well-positioned to lead in this next chapter of innovation and growth. 

Download the Full Report

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