42% favour controlled AI use for junior workers, while 35% want a ban: Report

The debate over artificial intelligence in the workplace has reached a new flashpoint: whether junior employees should be allowed to use it at all.

According to the latest CNBC and SurveyMonkey Quarterly AI and Jobs Survey, workers remain deeply divided on the role of AI for entry-level and junior staff. While the largest group supports controlled access to AI tools, a significant share believes the technology should be off-limits to less experienced employees.

The findings highlight a growing tension facing employers. Organisations increasingly expect workers to develop AI skills, yet concerns remain about how heavy reliance on the technology could affect learning, judgement and long-term career development.

Workers back guardrails over unrestricted access

The survey, conducted among 1,686 students and workers in the US between 22 and 27 July, found that 42% of respondents support allowing junior-level employees to use AI with clear guidelines and limitations.

However, 35% believe AI should be prohibited for junior workers altogether.

The remaining respondents favoured more flexible approaches:

• 14% said junior employees should use AI only with supervision and approval.
• 9% said they should be allowed to use AI freely without restrictions.

The results suggest most workers favour oversight rather than unrestricted adoption.

Entry-level roles face growing AI pressure

The debate comes as AI continues to reshape expectations for entry-level hiring.

According to a July report from ZipRecruiter, nearly one-third of employers said AI has increased experience requirements for entry-level positions. At the same time, recent graduates are competing for a shrinking pool of entry-level opportunities while facing rising expectations around AI literacy.

This has created a complex environment for young professionals entering the workforce. Many employers want AI-ready talent, yet there remains uncertainty around how extensively junior employees should rely on the technology in day-to-day work.

Gen Z shows the strongest resistance

The survey found particularly strong scepticism among younger respondents.

Gen Z workers were more likely than any other generation to support restricting AI use by junior employees. According to the survey, 42% of Gen Z respondents said entry-level workers should be prohibited from using AI at work.

Shawn VanDerziel, President and CEO of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), told CNBC that many young workers remain uncertain about AI's role in professional settings.

He noted that some early-career professionals move directly from academic environments where AI use is often restricted into workplaces where its use is actively encouraged. This shift can create confusion and reluctance.

Concerns extend beyond productivity

While AI can support routine tasks, workers and employers appear concerned about its broader impact on skill development.

VanDerziel told CNBC that AI can assist junior employees with activities such as:

• Proofreading and editing
• Analysing large datasets
• Handling routine administrative tasks
• Answering common workplace questions

However, he cautioned against using AI to replace foundational learning or independent decision-making.

Concerns include:

• Reduced opportunities to develop critical workplace skills
• Overreliance on AI-generated outputs
• Increased risk of inaccurate or misleading information
• Potential exposure of proprietary or sensitive business data

The survey findings also align with broader concerns around AI adoption. CNBC previously reported that 37% of workers who avoid AI cite privacy concerns as a key reason.

Employers still value human-centred skills

Despite growing demand for AI literacy, employers continue to place significant value on traditional workplace capabilities.

According to NACE, skills such as:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration

remain among the most sought-after attributes in entry-level talent.

The findings suggest employers are looking for a balance between technological proficiency and foundational professional skills. AI knowledge may improve productivity, but organisations continue to view human judgement, teamwork and problem-solving as essential for long-term success.

A workplace debate far from settled

The survey underscores how organisations are still defining the boundaries of AI use at work. While most employees appear comfortable with controlled adoption, resistance remains significant, particularly when it comes to workers at the start of their careers.

As companies expand AI training and integrate generative AI tools into daily workflows, the challenge will be finding the right balance between enabling productivity and ensuring early-career employees continue to build the skills needed for future leadership roles.