Resume Now Survey: 97% of Workers Turn to ChatGPT Instead of Their Boss for Advice

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Table of contents

Key Findings
Why Workers Are Turning to AI Instead of Their Boss
How Workers Use ChatGPT on the Job
AI as Emotional Support
Does It Work? Workers Say Yes
A Shift in Trust and Communication
What This Means for Managers

A growing number of workers are turning to AI for help with tough decisions, workplace stress, and day-to-day communication. According to a new Resume Now survey, 97% of employees have asked ChatGPT for advice instead of their boss, and 63% do it regularly.

From writing emails to navigating difficult conversations, many say AI is faster, safer, and less intimidating than going to their manager, suggesting that AI replacing managers in certain roles is a distinct possibility.

Resume Now calls this trend the AI Boss Effect, a shift in how employees seek guidance, support, and clarity at work.

Key Findings

AI is replacing managers as a go-to resource. 97% of employees have sought workplace advice from AI instead of their boss, often due to fear of retaliation (57%).
Productivity depends on ChatGPT. 77% say losing access would hurt their work, and 44% say it would seriously harm productivity.
AI outperforms managers in empathy and guidance. 72% say ChatGPT gives better advice, and 49% say it's been more emotionally supportive than their manager.

Why Workers Are Turning to AI Instead of Their Boss

The survey found that many employees are choosing ChatGPT over their manager when they need help. Whether it's fear of retaliation or a lack of trust, workers say AI offers a safer and more efficient way to get the support they need.

70% say ChatGPT understands their work challenges better than their manager.
57% fear retaliation for asking the wrong question.
47% say ChatGPT is faster and more convenient.
38% do not want to seem incompetent.
37% do not trust their manager's judgment.
32% feel more comfortable asking AI than a person.

What this means: For many employees, AI provides a low-pressure way to ask questions and find solutions without fear of judgment. This shift suggests that workplace trust is missing in some environments and that employees are turning to technology to fill the gap.

How Workers Use ChatGPT on the Job

Beyond advice, ChatGPT is playing a growing role in how employees write, plan, and communicate at work. The survey shows it is being used to shape everything from emails to technical tasks.

93% have used it to prepare for a conversation with their boss.
61% have sent a message to their manager written by ChatGPT.
57% rely on ChatGPT for writing and editing emails, reports, and other tasks.
53% use it for brainstorming or creative ideation.
52% use it for coding or debugging.
40% rely on it for research and summarization.
35% have used ChatGPT to write a message and then edited it.

What this means: ChatGPT is no longer just a helpful tool on the side. For many workers, it is a trusted writing partner and thought organizer that helps them communicate more clearly and work more efficiently.

AI as Emotional Support

ChatGPT is not just helping with tasks. Many workers say it also provides emotional support, especially during moments of stress or uncertainty at work.

93% say they would feel comfortable discussing mental health or stress with an AI assistant.
49% say ChatGPT has been more emotionally supportive during work-related stress than their manager.
40% say the support is about the same.

What this means: For many employees, AI offers a judgment-free space to talk through challenges and decompress. This shows a growing need for emotional safety at work. Employees using AI in this way highlights how technology is stepping in when human support is lacking.

Does It Work? Workers Say Yes

Employees are not just using AI more often. They also believe it helps them work better and faster than traditional support from managers.

77% say losing access to ChatGPT would hurt their productivity, with 44% saying it would "seriously" hurt.
72% say ChatGPT has given them better advice than their boss.
56% say it at least doubles their output, 26% say it helps "a lot," and 15% say it saves time "here and there."
Only 2% say ChatGPT has no impact on their output.

What this means: Workers view ChatGPT as a reliable way to boost performance and save time. The data shows that for many, AI is essential to how they get work done and stay productive.

A Shift in Trust and Communication

The survey highlights a growing awareness of how AI influences workplace decisions. Employees are paying attention to fairness and want more transparency around how these tools are used.

91% say they have suspected AI made an unfair decision that affected their job.

What this means: Workers are not rejecting AI. They are asking for clarity and accountability. As AI takes on a bigger role in hiring, evaluations, and other decisions, companies will need to build trust by being open about how these tools are applied.

What This Means for Managers

The manager-employee dynamic is shifting. As AI tools like ChatGPT take on a growing role in workplace communication and support, they are filling the gaps many workers feel in their relationships with leadership.

Employees are not using AI because they dislike their managers. They are using it because it feels safer, more helpful, and more consistent. This is about trust as much as it is about convenience.

What this means: AI is highlighting areas where employees need more support, guidance, and understanding. For managers, this is not a signal to compete with technology but a chance to reconnect with their teams and rebuild the trust that makes leadership meaningful.

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Methodology

The findings provided were gathered through a survey conducted with 968 U.S. workers currently employed on June 18, 2025. Participants were asked about their use of ChatGPT and other AI tools for workplace communication, emotional support, and career decision-making. The survey also explored trust in AI versus managers, comfort with AI leadership, and the impact of AI on productivity and workplace dynamics. Participants responded to various question types, including yes/no questions, open-ended responses, scale-based agreement questions, and multiple-selection answer formats.

About Resume Now

Resume Now is a powerful resource dedicated to helping job-seekers achieve their potential. Resume Now's AI Resume Builder is a cutting-edge tool that makes creating a resume fast, easy, and painless. Resume Now has been dedicated to serving job seekers since 2005. Alongside its powerful AI Resume Builder and stylish, ready-to-use templates, it also features free advice for job seekers at every career stage, guides for every step of the hiring process, and free resources for writing cover letters. Resume Now is committed to supporting job seekers and workers alike and has conducted numerous surveys related to the experience, trends, and culture of the workplace. These surveys have been featured in Business Insider, CNBC, Fast Company, Yahoo!, Forbes, and more. Keep up with Resume Now on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Pinterest.

For press inquiries, contact Joseph Santaella at joseph@resume-now.com.

Keith is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and trusted media source in the career industry with over a decade of experience helping job seekers stand out.