Exaggerating to your boss about how much you're using AI at work? You're not alone

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-08T09:27:33.750Z • Permanent link

Pressure to prove proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) is mounting for some employees, with companies considering AI mandates for their workforce. A recent survey by the International Association of Management Analysts (IAMA) revealed that nearly 70% of respondents reported feeling pressure to demonstrate their AI skills to their superiors. The pressure to perform is especially acute in industries where AI is increasingly being used to drive business decisions. For instance, a report by McKinsey found that by 2025, AI could automate up to 30% of tasks in the finance sector, leading to significant job displacement.

A survey of over 1,000 finance professionals conducted by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in 2022 found that 75% of respondents believed that AI would have a significant impact on their roles in the next five years. The survey also revealed that 60% of respondents reported feeling anxious about the potential loss of their jobs due to automation. These findings highlight the growing concern among finance professionals about the impact of AI on their careers.

The IAMA survey also found that many employees feel forced to exaggerate their AI usage in order to appear more proficient to their superiors. The pressure to perform can lead to a culture of "performative AI," where employees feel compelled to showcase their skills in order to gain favor with their bosses. This phenomenon has significant implications for the finance industry, where the use of AI is becoming increasingly widespread.

The pressure to perform AI skills can have significant consequences for companies in the finance sector. Research by the University of California, Berkeley found that employees who feel anxious about the impact of AI on their jobs are more likely to experience decreased productivity and increased turnover. This can lead to significant costs for companies, including recruitment and training expenses. Furthermore, the pressure to perform AI skills can also lead to a culture of fear and anxiety among employees, which can negatively impact morale and job satisfaction.

The impact of performative AI on the research community is also significant. A survey of researchers in the field of artificial intelligence found that 80% of respondents reported feeling pressure to publish research that showcases their AI skills. This can lead to a culture of "publish or perish," where researchers feel compelled to prioritize research that is perceived as high-impact over more fundamental research. This can lead to a lack of investment in basic research, which can have long-term consequences for the field as a whole.

The pressure to perform AI skills is not a new phenomenon, and is part of a larger trend of increasing automation in the finance sector. The use of AI in finance has been growing rapidly in recent years, with many companies investing heavily in AI-powered tools and platforms. However, this trend has also led to concerns about job displacement and the need for workers to develop new skills in order to remain relevant.