A new survey by SHL, the global leader in talent insight, reveals a significant trust gap between U.S. workers and the use of AI in the workplace, particularly during hiring processes. The research, based on responses from over 1,000 working adults, shows that 74% of respondents said being interviewed by an AI agent would change their perception of a company. Of those, 37% viewed the company as impersonal, while 23% saw it as innovative—highlighting a deep divide in how AI is perceived. While many workers are open to AI’s role in improving efficiency and consistency, they strongly value human involvement and accountability. SHL’s Chief Science Officer, Sara Gutierrez, emphasized that transparency is key: “AI can quickly shape the perception of a company as either innovative or impersonal. Most employees are open to AI that improves processes, but they want to know how it works, how it’s checked for bias, and who is ultimately responsible.” The findings reveal a lack of trust in employers’ use of AI. Only 27% of U.S. workers fully trust their employers to use AI responsibly, and 59% believe AI is making bias worse. A majority—56%—prefer humans to review job applications, 58% want human evaluation of performance, and 53% fear AI will erode the human element in work. Notably, 21% said they would prefer a return to a pre-AI job market. Despite these concerns, workers are eager to adapt. Nearly half—48%—are willing to take online courses to build AI skills, and nearly 29% are prepared to use personal time to become more AI-fluent. However, one in four workers admit they don’t clearly understand what “AI skills” actually mean, indicating a need for clearer guidance and structured learning opportunities. Gutierrez stressed that the workforce is ready to learn but needs support: “The workforce is raising its hand, ready to learn, but too many don’t know where to start. This is a moment for organizations to step up. When companies invest in real, human-centered upskilling, they don’t just build capability—they build employability, confidence, and trust.” The survey underscores that responsible AI integration in talent processes—combined with transparency, human oversight, and clear communication—can lead to fairer, more trusted, and more effective hiring and development systems. Employers that act now to provide meaningful AI training and foster trust will be better positioned to drive internal mobility, close skills gaps, and build a future-ready workforce.