New research from Yooz reveals the human side of failed digital transformation efforts—and how to fix it
Companies are spending thousands on AI, automation, and digital transformation. But there’s a problem many executives didn’t see coming: their employees are pushing back. According to the 2025 Yooz Workplace Tech Resistance Report, one in seven U.S. employees have flat-out refused to use new workplace technology, and nearly four in ten admit they adopt it reluctantly. Despite the promise of innovation, organizations are learning that the real challenge isn’t access to technology—it’s getting people to actually use it.
Tech Isn’t the Problem—Disruption Is
One of the report’s most surprising findings is that 51% of employees say new workplace tech creates internal chaos, not efficiency. This disconnect highlights a key issue in the way organizations introduce technology: the rollout often feels more like disruption than improvement. Many tools are implemented without considering the day-to-day realities of the people who will use them, leading to confusion, frustration, and eventual resistance.
And the resistance isn’t coming from a place of stubbornness. In many cases, it stems from poor planning and inadequate support. A lack of training is one of the most consistent barriers to adoption, with 52% of respondents receiving only basic training on new systems, and 20% reporting they received little to no guidance at all. That said, nearly 48% believe better training would have helped them adopt the technology more effectively.
Generational Differences Matter
While resistance cuts across roles and industries, the report makes it clear that generational differences are shaping how workers view AI and automation in particular. For example, 35% of Gen Z employees say they “love” AI tools, compared to just 13% of Baby Boomers. Meanwhile, 40% of all respondents find AI helpful but unreliable. 16% even actively avoid using AI altogether.
Younger employees are more comfortable experimenting with tech, especially when the interface is simple and intuitive. In fact, ease of use is the top predictor of success for Gen Z, and 39% of all employees say that tools should be so intuitive that they require minimal training. These insights suggest that when designing or selecting tools for employees, functionality isn’t enough. Usability is king.
Resistance by Industry
Not all industries experience the same level of tech resistance. According to the Yooz report, government (46%), construction (42%), and manufacturing (28%) are the most reluctant sectors when it comes to adopting new workplace tools. These industries tend to be more process-driven and risk-averse, which means that change, particularly involving unfamiliar platforms, can be slower and more painful.
For companies in these spaces, it’s especially important to design implementation strategies that account for cultural resistance and legacy workflows. Training, onboarding, and employee involvement in tech decisions become even more critical in these environments.
Employees Want a Voice
While tech rollouts often feel top-down, many employees say they would be more willing to adopt new tools if they had more say in the process. In the survey, 36% of respondents said adoption would improve if they had input in the decision-making process. Another 28% said leadership needs to set the tone by embracing change more visibly.
This points to a missed opportunity for many companies: collaboration. Employees want to be part of the conversation around what tools they use and how they are used. When companies involve teams early, they don’t just reduce resistance—they generate buy-in.
What Businesses Can Do Right Now
Despite the barriers, the report makes one thing clear: employees aren’t anti-tech. They simply want tools that work well, come with proper support, and make their jobs easier, not harder. That means businesses need to shift their approach from simply deploying technology to enabling adoption.
The Yooz report recommends four key strategies to help companies close the gap:
First, strengthen training programs. Employees who feel supported are far more likely to embrace new tools. Training should go beyond one-time demos and include ongoing support, resources, and opportunities for feedback.
Second, prioritize ease of use. Tools must integrate seamlessly into existing workflows and minimize disruption. When platforms are intuitive, employees are more confident and efficient from day one.
Third, involve employees in decision-making. Collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and reduces the perception of forced change. When employees feel heard, they are more willing to engage.
Fourth, ensure leadership is visibly on board. When company leaders use and promote the tools themselves, they create a culture where change is normalized and even welcomed.
As Yooz CEO Laurent Charpentier puts it, “Successful technology adoption isn’t just about rolling out new tools; it’s about ensuring employees feel equipped and empowered to use them. Companies that invest in training and intuitive design don’t just implement technology—they create an environment where innovation thrives.”
Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Execution
As businesses continue to evolve, the gap between innovation and execution becomes more critical to address. It’s not enough to simply introduce the next big platform or AI-driven solution. Without employee adoption, even the most advanced technology will fall flat.
The 2025 Yooz Workplace Tech Resistance Report is a timely reminder that digital transformation is a people process first. And if companies want their investments to pay off, they must put as much thought into the human experience as they do into the technology itself.
