Bosses try bonus pools, cash awards to entice workers wary of AI

Many employees are hesitant due to fear of losing their job or don’t have time for training

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Companies are betting that bonuses will persuade their employees to use artificial intelligence at work.

French drugmaker Sanofi, fintech Brex Inc. and International Business Machines Corp. are among firms that are paying cash, awarding points or doling out merch to expand adoption of AI across their businesses.

After collectively investing billions of dollars into AI systems, companies are facing a human problem: some employees are reluctant to use the technology. Many fear using AI will hasten their job’s disappearance, or lack time for training. Others may not want to share their AI tactics, preferring to keep the advantage to themselves.

Usage target

UK-based law firm Shoosmiths LLP is trying bonuses. In April, it created a £1 million ($1.3 million) bonus pool for about 1,300 of its staff, contingent on hitting 1 million uses of Microsoft Copilot this fiscal year.

Firm leaders estimated that if everyone at the firm used Copilot four times a day, they’d comfortably surpass the mark. Each eligible employee would receive about £770 ($1,000).