34% of workers uncomfortable with AI calculating their pay, claims survey

A new PayrollOrg survey reveals significant worker resistance to artificial intelligence in payroll management, with 34% of American workers uncomfortable with AI calculating their wages and 45% opposing AI handling payroll inquiries. These findings suggest that despite AI’s broader workplace adoption, employees remain particularly cautious about automation in areas directly affecting their financial wellbeing, highlighting the need for human oversight and transparent communication in payroll technology implementation.

What you should know: The 2025 “Getting Paid In America” survey captured responses from over 25,900 workers nationwide, revealing deep skepticism about AI’s role in payroll processes.

• Of 22,464 respondents asked about AI calculating pay, 7,588 workers (34%) expressed being somewhat or very uncomfortable with the technology.
• When asked about AI tools answering payroll questions instead of human support, 10,108 respondents (45%) indicated discomfort with automated assistance.
• The survey was conducted as part of National Payroll Week, held September 1–5, 2025.

Why this matters: Payroll represents a critical touchpoint between employers and employees, where accuracy and trust are paramount for maintaining workplace relationships and financial stability.

• A single week’s delay in pay can cause significant financial strain for workers, making speed and accuracy strategic imperatives rather than just operational concerns.
• The resistance suggests that organizations pursuing payroll automation must balance efficiency gains with the personalized support workers expect.
• Clear communication and transparency around AI implementation may be essential for building employee confidence in automated payroll systems.

What they’re saying: Industry experts emphasize that technology alone cannot address payroll challenges without thoughtful human-centered design.

• “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, a workforce management software company.
• “While AI is reshaping the workplace, trust in it to manage pay remains low. That’s a clear signal that technology alone is not enough. It must be anchored in thoughtful processes and designed with people at the center.”
• “Every paycheck sends a message: ‘You matter.’ To lead, organizations must make that message loud and clear.”

The bigger picture: The survey results indicate that maintaining human oversight will remain essential for building employee trust as organizations explore ways to combine AI efficiency with personalized support workers expect.