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Low barriers, high stakes: Formal and informal diffusion of AI in the workplace

Author

Listed:
  • Arntz, Melanie
  • Baum, Myriam
  • Brüll, Eduard
  • Dorau, Ralf
  • Hartwig, Matthias
  • Matthes, Britta
  • Meyer, Sophie-Charlotte
  • Schlenker, Oliver
  • Tisch, Anita
  • Wischniewski, Sascha

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is diffusing rapidly in the workplace, yet aggregate productivity gains remain limited. This paper examines the dual diffusion of AI - through both formal, employer-led and informal, employee-initiated adoption - as potential explanation. Using a representative survey of nearly 10,000 employees in Germany, we document a high extensive but low intensive margin of usage: while 64 percent use AI tools, only 20 percent use them frequently. This diffusion is strongly skill-biased and depends less on establishment and regional characteristics. While formality is associated with more frequent usage, training, AI-based supervision, and higher perceived productivity gains, it does not broaden access. These patterns suggest that widespread informal usage can coexist with limited productivity effects when complementary investments and organizational integration lag behind.

Suggested Citation

  • Arntz, Melanie & Baum, Myriam & Brüll, Eduard & Dorau, Ralf & Hartwig, Matthias & Matthes, Britta & Meyer, Sophie-Charlotte & Schlenker, Oliver & Tisch, Anita & Wischniewski, Sascha, 2026. "Low barriers, high stakes: Formal and informal diffusion of AI in the workplace," ZEW Discussion Papers 26-001, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:336765
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods

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