AI adoption in the workplace: Cognitive and Emotional Appraisals

The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in the workplace is reshaping organizational dynamics and employee experiences. This study explores the role of primary and secondary appraisals in shaping employees’ reactions to AI adoption, specifically focusing on the introduction of AI tools in a large organization. Data from a survey of 507 employees were analyzed using multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics, revealing significant relationships between dimensions of personal well-being, including positive emotions and economic security in the PERMA+ model, and employees’ overall secondary evaluations, which include assessment of available resources, emerging through workplace wellbeing, life wellbeing, psychological wellbeing, and resulting emotions as reactions. The findings revealed that dimensions of the PERMA+ had a significant impact on employees’ life and workplace wellbeing. The analysis showed that employees who perceived the AI adoption positively, particularly in terms of emotional engagement and financial stability, reported higher levels of wellbeing. Additionally, emotions like Happiness, Anger, and Sadness significantly influenced both life and psychological wellbeing, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation in shaping coping strategies and employees’ overall adaptation to AI integration. The results underscore the importance of both cognitive evaluations and emotional responses in shaping employees’ ability to cope with AI. These findings provide valuable insights for managers, highlighting the need to address employees’ emotional needs and wellbeing during AI transitions to facilitate smoother adoption and promote long-term organizational success.