With AI tools becoming increasingly integrated into the workplace, workers are admitting to struggling with basic tasks without the help of artificial intelligence (AI), a new survey from resume-building platform ResumeTemplates.com has revealed.
The report, published on September 9, found that 73% of workers rely on AI tools like ChatGPT. Of those, 28% say they are very reliant on the technology, while 45% say they are somewhat reliant.
Workers are also starting to use these tools more frequently, with 76% reporting increased usage compared to six months ago. Another 44% of employees say they are now required to use AI for their job.
More concerning is the wide range of tasks employees struggle to accomplish without AI assistance. Nearly half (49%) find it harder to draft professional documents, while 46% say fact-checking or critically evaluating information is more difficult. Even writing simple emails becomes a chore for 25% of respondents, and 21% admit making decisions with AI is easier.
The poll also shows a clear generational divide in AI usage. Gen Z workers, who grew up with the technology as it evolved, are the most dependent at 78%. They are followed by millennials (75%), Gen X (67%), and boomers (59%).
Interestingly, a quarter (26%) of highly reliant AI users are aware of their dependence and want to reduce their AI usage.
Julia Toothacre, chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates.com, warns that a broad reliance on AI can erode employees’ confidence and ability to learn new skills. “You can lose your own professional voice and struggle to speak for yourself in meetings or presentations. That will impact how competent others perceive you,” she said.
Toothacre also predicts that, as a result, the standard for certain skills such as writing will skyrocket rather than plateau.
The ResumeTemplates.com survey was conducted in August 2025 and gathered responses from 1,000 full-time U.S. adult workers who claim to use AI applications weekly.