You know that most of your employees are likely using AI technology outside of work so it can be disheartening to see their hesitance to embrace AI tools on the job, particularly given the important role technology could play in building your small business.

To help promote AI adoption at your company, here are some strategies to encourage AI literacy among employees and create an environment that supports technology tools and business innovation.

AI and Small Businesses: A Growing Advantage

Statistics continue to point to the rise and expanded scope of AI use in small businesses across the U.S., as well as the advantages that come with incorporating AI tools.

For example, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found that nearly 60 percent of small businesses are using artificial intelligence for their business operations, up from 40 percent in 2024 and more than double from its 2023 study.

Also, 83 percent of the small businesses in the poll said they believe technology helps them compete, and 80 percent said they are confident that AI will help them in the future.

Specifically, 8 in 10 small business owners credited technology with helping them cope with inflation and supply chain disruption and improving access to capital, according to the 2025 report, Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business.

“High-tech adopters continue to see growth in sales and profits ahead of low-tech small businesses,” says the U.S. Chamber in its August post on the findings.

Other research also reports a rise of AI use among all businesses, with increases higher in some sectors than others.

For instance, a Federal Reserve Bank study showed a substantial jump among service firms using AI for tasks, 40 percent reporting they do this year, compared to 25 percent in 2024, according to a Bloomberg News article that reported the findings.

Understanding Employee Concerns About AI

It’s important to look at what’s fueling employees’ resistance to implementing AI at work. Some may have concerns that doing so could lead to the elimination of their jobs.

While there’s evidence that connects increased AI use to job reductions, other research indicates the opposite could be true.

In fact, the Chamber’s 2025 study showed that AI tools are helping small businesses grow their companies, including adding employees. In its survey, 82 percent of the small businesses using AI increased their workforce over the past year.

The Federal Reserve Bank survey made note of a similar finding. Despite AI use being on the rise, it said, “few firms have cut jobs as a result,” reports a September article by Bloomberg News reporter Maria Eloisa Capurro, as shared by Employee Benefit News.

Also, Capurro notes, about 11 percent of service firms in the poll said they had hired more workers due to the use of AI at their companies.

Tailor Training to Build AI Confidence

Limited or lack of training could also be fueling hesitance by your employees to implement AI technology at work. 

Only 37 percent of SMB employees in a business.com survey expressed confidence in their AI skills, and 54 percent told the poll they believe they needed more AI training.

When employees don’t receive training, they’re less likely to use AI frequently, according to an article by Chad Brooks, the site’s managing editor, about the survey’s findings.

The McKinsey study also indicated the need for more training for staff. Nearly half of the employees said they wanted more formal training and said they believed training is the best way to boost AI adoption at their jobs.

Companies that take a more strategic approach to AI training are poised to capture the full value of the technology, advise the authors of the McKinsey report. 

By “seeding and leading” skills training, the study says, businesses can “fully harness” the business impact of gen AI and foster a culture of courageous and continuous growth, and support all employees in achieving their goals.

Think Long-Term: Building a Culture of Innovation

Getting staff on board for AI adoption through training and a supportive environment could benefit your business in many ways, including boosting employee development and confidence.

Ninety percent of the employees who received AI training from their employer told the business.com survey that it makes them better at their job.

“AI isn’t a checkbox exercise – only companies willing to commit to a culture of lifelong learning will fully master and keep up with its evolution,” explains Brooks. “Those who don’t will experience a knowledge gap that prevents them from reaping the full benefits of this powerful technology.” 

To learn more about using AI at your small business, take a look at these Affordable and User-Friendly AI Tools and ways AI can Save You Time, Money, and Stress.