A significant portion of the workforce appears hesitant to adopt new workplace technology, according to a new study, with one in seven employees refusing to use new tools and 39% identifying as reluctant users. These findings come from the 2025 Workplace Tech Resistance report by Yooz, a provider of cloud-based purchase-to-pay automation solutions. The survey was conducted by third-party survey platform Pollfish and included responses from 500 full-time professionals in the US from various industries.
“Successful technology adoption isn’t just about rolling out new tools; it’s about ensuring employees feel equipped and empowered to use them,” said Yooz CEO Laurent Charpentier. “Companies that invest in training and intuitive design don’t just implement technology—they create an environment where innovation thrives.”
According to the report, 51% of employees opined that new technology rollouts often create disruption rather than driving operational efficiency. Just 29% of the respondents believe workplace technology will lead to radical changes in the next five years, while 44% expect only incremental improvements.
Generational differences also strongly influence technology adoption. Among Millennials, 55% say they are excited to try new tools, compared to just 22% of Baby Boomers. Gen Z workers are also generally receptive, with 35% reporting they ‘love’ AI tools. However, enthusiasm does not always equate to compliance, with one in four Gen Z employees having refused to use a workplace tool at least once. In comparison, only 11% of Boomers report doing the same.
Training identified as key to improving tech adoption
Limited training remains a widespread challenge. More than half of employees (52%) receive only basic training on new technologies, and 20% receive little to none. Nearly 48% of the respondents in the survey believe that more thorough onboarding would improve adoption rates.
Ease of use is another critical factor, particularly for younger staff. Around 39% of all employees think workplace tools should require minimal training. A third of Gen Z respondents cite intuitive design as the most important element in workplace technology.
The report also highlights a need for more employee involvement in tech decisions. About 36% of respondents believe adoption would improve if staff were consulted during tool selection. Younger employees, in particular, express a desire to have greater influence in these processes.
The survey also shows that technology resistance is not evenly distributed across sectors. Government (46%), construction (42%), and manufacturing (28%) are the most reluctant industries, often due to legacy systems, compliance requirements, or established workflows that resist rapid change.
Overall, the findings underscore that successful adoption of technology requires more than simply introducing new tools. Providing adequate training, prioritising usability, involving employees in decision-making, and ensuring leadership support are all necessary to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.
Earlier, a survey found that nearly three-quarters of Irish office workers believe staff are personally blamed for cybersecurity incidents. The findings highlight how blame culture can affect cybersecurity practices and underscore the need for collective responsibility.
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