Employees are showing significant resistance to artificial intelligence handling their paycheques, according to new survey results that highlight ongoing trust issues between employees and workplace technology.
Thirty-four per cent of workers in the U.S. feel uncomfortable with AI calculating their wages, while 45 per cent oppose AI handling payroll inquiries, according to PayrollOrg’s 2025 “Getting Paid In America” survey.
The annual survey collected responses from 22,464 individuals about AI calculating pay, with 7,588 respondents expressing discomfort with the technology, according to PayrollOrg. When asked about AI tools answering payroll questions instead of human staff, 10,108 of the respondents said they would be somewhat or very uncomfortable with automated assistance.
Worker trust remains key concern
The survey results indicate that maintaining human oversight will remain essential to building employee trust, according to PayrollOrg. Organizations are exploring ways to combine AI efficiency with the personalized support workers expect, the company said.
Clear communication and greater transparency around how AI is used in payroll may help ease concerns and strengthen confidence, according to the survey findings.
“Payroll isn’t just a transaction; it’s a reflection of how much an organization values its people,” said Teresa Smith, director of human insights at UKG. “When a single week’s delay in pay can cause financial strain, speed and accuracy aren’t just operational decisions, they are strategic imperatives.”
Smith noted that while AI is reshaping the workplace, trust in the technology to manage pay remains low. “That’s a clear signal that technology alone is not enough,” she said. “It must be anchored in thoughtful processes and designed with people at the center.”
Survey conducted during National Payroll Week
PayrollOrg conducted the survey as part of National Payroll Week, held Sept. 1-5, 2025, according to the organization. The survey gathered insights from more than 25,900 respondents nationwide.
PayrollOrg describes itself as the leader in payroll education, publications and training.
