AI and EI:
Workplace
Status Report
Download your free copy and get practical insights to apply immediately on the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI) in workplaces globally.
As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms work as we know it, emotional intelligence (EI) is on the decline. New research shines light on this complex dynamic and reveals challenges for leaders to create a balanced, engaged workforce in the era of AI.
As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms knowledge, productivity and takes over increasingly complex workflows, what will set apart the top performers in most industries? How can organizations balance the imperative to implement this new technology while also investing in the people who will ultimately decide the success or failure of any change initiative, including AI adoption?
Here’s a top level view on EI & AI in the workplace in 2025:
The AI revolution is here and accelerating at a rapid pace. Global spending on AI surged to $184 billion in 2024, with 73% of CEOs calling it a top investment priority.
The world has entered an emotional recession, exacerbated by AI. Since 2019, global emotional intelligence scores have declined by 5.5%, alongside rising stress, burnout, and loneliness. The rise of AI didn’t cause the emotional recession, but it is a contributing factor to the Metacrisis and essential context for leaders to understand.
AI is a cognitive genius, but its emotional intelligence isn’t very impressive. While AI scores higher on IQ tests than 99% of humans and shows a profound capacity for a wide and growing range of logical tasks, its results on EQ tests aren’t nearly as impressive.
AI is accelerating the demand for emotional skills: As AI transforms jobs across industries with its technical capabilities, those professions will increasingly require EI skills to complement technical expertise. Doctors, lawyers, and programmers of the future will thrive based on empathy, trust, and strategic thinking rather than purely technical tasks, where AI already outperforms experts.
Leaders are ready for AI, but leaving employees behind: While 72% of businesses have adopted AI for at least one function, only 11% of employees use AI weekly, and fewer than 6% feel very comfortable using it, revealing a critical gap between leadership and workforces with AI.
AI vs EI is a failing formula: The most successful organizations adopt a “Yes AND” strategy, integrating both AI and EI training to engage employees, maximize AI’s potential and improve productivity. Clear strategies, robust training, and transparent communication are essential.
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Emotional intelligence is more important than ever.
AI is accelerating the demand for emotional skills. As AI transforms jobs across industries with its technical capabilities, those professions will increasingly require EI skills to complement technical expertise. Doctors, lawyers, and programmers of the future will thrive based on empathy, trust, and strategic thinking rather than purely technical tasks, where AI already outperforms experts. AI is also contributing to overwhelm and the global emotional recession, making EI skills more essential than ever with rising complexity.
