‘Shadow AI’ Use Surges as Canadian Workers Outpace Employers in AI Adoption: IBM Study
79% of Canadian office workers use AI tools, but only 1 in 4 use enterprise-grade AI solutions 97% said AI improves productivity; nearly 80% said it enhances strategic or creative work 46% of employees would leave their job for a company that uses AI more effectively Markham, ON (Nov. 3, 2025) – A new study commissioned by IBM reveals that Shadow AI – the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications in the workplace without formal approval or oversight from a company’s IT department – is becoming increasingly common across Canada. While 79% of full-time office workers said they use AI at work, only 25% rely on enterprise grade AI tools, signaling a widening disconnect between employee expectations and enterprise readiness. The rest rely on a mix of personal and employer tools (33%) or entirely on personal apps (21%). The growing reliance on using personal AI tools in the workplace introduces serious risks to Canadian businesses, from potential data leaks and compliance issues to losing control of sensitive business information. “AI adoption in the workplace is no longer theoretical – it’s happening, and it’s being led by employees,” said Deb Pimentel, President, IBM Canada and General Manager, Technology, IBM Canada....