Some Employers Are Encouraging Workers to Use AI

A number of companies are reportedly providing bonuses to employees as an encouragement to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) at work.  IBM is among the firms that are paying cash, awarding points or other incentives to encourage the adoption of AI.  At Brez, payouts range from $150 for small scale efforts to thousands of dollars for those with high impact.  IBM provides points redeemable for items such as appliances, electronics or concert tickets.

One reason for the encouragement is that some companies have invested heavily in AI.  According to a survey conducted by ChatGPT, employees indicated that using AI has improved either the speed or quality of their work.  On the other hand, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found no real return on investment in generative AI initiatives.  Researchers at Harvard and Stanford are also skeptical. 

This article is part of our January 2026 Newsletter. 

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