U.S. employees anticipate tech advancements amid leadership lags — EY 

NEW YORK, UNITED STATED — A recent survey by professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) revealed that 89% of employees in the United States (U.S.) see immense potential in emerging technologies. 

However, 59% also reported their leaders’ hesitation in adopting them. Over half (52%) feel that their companies only implement these technologies once they become outdated. 

Notably, the study also highlighted a generational divide between American employees, with younger workers like Gen Z and millennials exhibiting a greater propensity for using advanced tech and expressing concern over leadership’s perceived under-appreciation of these tools.

“Today’s workforce is anxiously awaiting tomorrow’s digital capabilities,” said Americas Consulting Emerging Technology Leader Faisal Alam. 

He added that though leaders acknowledge how new technologies can transform their business, they must also be aware of employee perceptions around the slow pace of adoption and the barriers and risks that could undermine efforts.

EY’s Emerging Tech at Work Survey collated insights from over 1,000 U.S. employees regarding their understanding and expectations of new tech — including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and quantum computing.