TLDR: A new global study by Wrike indicates that while 82% of employees use AI tools, a significant portion of corporate researchers and knowledge workers operate with disconnected AI solutions, hindering efficiency. One in three organizations has not formally rolled out AI tools or employees are unsure of approved tools, leading to ‘shadow AI’ usage. The study emphasizes the need for ‘connected intelligence’ through integrated platforms, comprehensive training, and unified strategies to maximize AI’s value.
SAN DIEGO – November 6, 2025 – A recent global study, ‘The Age of Connected Intelligence,’ conducted by Wrike, an intelligent work management platform, has uncovered a critical challenge in the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence within enterprises. Despite a high rate of AI tool usage among employees, a substantial portion of corporate researchers and knowledge workers are operating with fragmented and isolated AI solutions, which ultimately undermines the very efficiencies these tools are designed to create.
The study reveals that 82% of employees are currently utilizing AI tools in their daily work. However, a significant 53% of these employees use only one or two AI tools weekly, often in isolation. This disconnected approach is leading to a replication of inefficiencies rather than their elimination, highlighting a critical blind spot as organizations plan for 2026 and consider agentic assistive AI tools.
Thomas Scott, CEO of Wrike, emphasized the shift in focus: “Employees are quickly adapting to the AI-driven workplace, but now they’re looking for smarter, connected tools that bring clarity to their workflows. Connected intelligence means fewer silos, tighter workflows, and removing the friction that stands in the way of great work. At Wrike, we’re focused on helping organizations build the foundation that modern work actually needs.”
The research also sheds light on the rise of ‘shadow AI,’ a phenomenon occurring when AI adoption outpaces strategic alignment. A striking 42% of employees admit to using AI tools not officially approved by their companies. Furthermore, 20% report that their organization has not formally rolled out any AI tools, and an additional 15% are uncertain about which tools are officially supported. This indicates a clear lack of guidance and governance, with employees seeking structure and clarity rather than outright restrictions.
Organizations are enthusiastic about AI, but many are still in the early stages of managing and scaling these technologies. Less than half of companies provide comprehensive, company-wide training, clear policies, or role-specific enablement for AI tools. Only 27% of organizations describe their AI efforts as ‘running smoothly,’ while 46% report ‘making progress.’
Employees are vocal about their needs, pointing to stronger integration between AI and core business systems, unified platforms that connect tools with workflows, and clearer training and communication regarding their organization’s AI strategy as key drivers for increased value. The data strongly suggests that workers are ready for AI that operates cohesively, with 96% stating that connected AI tools sharing context would be valuable, and 51% believing such connections would transform their work.
Also Read:
- Enterprise Security Leaders Unprepared for Surging AI Agent Risks, NeuralTrust Report Reveals
- Gulf Cooperation Council Rises as Global AI Leader with High Frontline Adoption, Trailing Only the US
Looking ahead, 95% of employees expressed a willingness to delegate at least one task to an AI agent today, and 90% see significant value in AI agents coordinating across multiple tools. Scott concluded, “The race isn’t just to adopt AI now. It’s to connect it. Organizations that invest in unified platforms, comprehensive training, and integrated workflows will separate themselves from competitors still struggling with fragmented tools and shadow AI risks.”
