With over a quarter of UK employees (28%) using ChatGPT or similar generative AI at work, this technological advancement is sparking both excitement and debate in the corporate world.

Is ChatGPT an essential productivity tool, a playground for only the tech-savvy elite, or a potential slippery slope towards over-reliance? Our latest market research reveals some interesting insights. 

Senior leaders and high earners embrace AI with open arms

While many may assume it’s the junior staff turning to AI tools for support, it turns out that senior employees are actually leading the charge. Nearly half (49%) of those in higher managerial or professional roles have adopted ChatGPT at work, compared to 31% of mid-level managers and 22% of junior roles. Why? It could be that those in senior positions have a sharper eye for tools that optimise their workload—or perhaps a greater willingness to experiment without fearing a reprimand. 

Interestingly, the highest earners, those making over £80,000 annually, are almost twice as likely to use ChatGPT at work (39%) as those earning less than £80,000 (21%). Could it be that those with higher paycheques feel emboldened to use AI, or that they’re under greater pressure to maximise output, making ChatGPT a valuable ally? 

The generational divide

There’s also a clear generational split. Younger professionals between 18-39 years old are more inclined to use ChatGPT (30%) compared to their 40-64-year-old counterparts (23%). This divide could reflect comfort levels with new tech, a willingness to experiment, or perhaps an openness to cutting-edge solutions over traditional approaches. 

Employers’ ambivalence; to ban or to encourage?

Despite ChatGPT’s growing usage, employers remain divided on how to handle it. Some are wary of what they see as a crutch for employees, with 4% of workplaces outright banning it and another 11% discouraging its use. Meanwhile, a small but significant 26% of organisations actively encourage their teams to tap into ChatGPT, signalling trust in the tool’s potential. A significant 32% of employers remain ambivalent or have no policy at all, perhaps viewing it as a trend to observe before committing one way or another. 

In London, the divide is even more pronounced. Londoners enjoy the most freedom with AI, as 40% of employers in the capital actively encourage its use, well above the national average of 23%. This raises an interesting question: are London companies more progressive in embracing AI, or are they placing more demands on employees to keep pace? 

Should we welcome or worry about ChatGPT?

The rise of ChatGPT in the workplace raises contentious questions. Is it a catalyst for productivity and innovation, a helpful tool for those willing to leverage it—or a potential enabler of laziness and a dependency on shortcuts? Senior leaders and top earners are demonstrating that ChatGPT may indeed hold promise, but with so many organisations lacking a clear policy, there’s a risk of misuse. 

Some fear that reliance on AI for problem-solving and communication may erode essential skills. Others argue it simply reflects our workplace evolution, where AI isn’t replacing employees but enhancing their capabilities. So, is ChatGPT a friend or a foe? It may just depend on how wisely it’s used. 

Ultimately, the question is not whether ChatGPT should be used, but how each company, team, and individual will navigate its impact—balancing efficiency with accountability. 

As ChatGPT usage reshapes workplace productivity and culture, market research agencies like Clusters are uniquely positioned to offer essential insights.

We don’t just observe these trends — we dive into the “why” and “how” behind them. From identifying adoption patterns to interpreting employee attitudes toward AI, we can help organisations navigate the evolving workplace landscape.