A troubling workplace phenomenon is emerging globally that Caribbean business leaders cannot afford to ignore. Recent research published in Fortune reveals that nearly half of employees admit to hiding their use of artificial intelligence (AI) at work to avoid judgment, while over half of C-suite leaders conceal their AI habits despite being the most frequent users.

This ‘AI shame’ crisis signals a fundamental breakdown in workplace communication about technology that’s already transforming how we work. The reality is even starker: An overwhelming 89.2 per cent of workers use AI at work, and just as many use tools that were not sanctioned by their employer. Yet only 7.5 per cent reported receiving extensive training with AI tools. For me, this is like the kids getting access to the car keys without the driving lessons.

In my conversations with CEOs, I see this pattern repeatedly. Many have banned AI applications due to security concerns. I always advise them that even if you ban AI applications, training is still important so employees understand what AI is and can recognise potential harm. On top of that, I recommend clear AI usage policies or guidelines so employees know what they can and cannot do. Without this guidance, you get the “black market” AI usage that’s playing out globally, and I’m certain it’s happening in our region as well.

Here’s the reality: AI is everywhere. It’s embedded in
Microsoft Office,
WhatsApp, and countless other tools your team uses daily. What does banning AI really mean when it’s already woven into the fabric of modern business and personal tools?

Why Caribbean leaders must invest in AI training now

1) Your team is already using AI. Help them use it more effectively: Most employees (~80 per cent) say AI has improved their productivity, but 59 per cent confess to spending more time wrestling with AI tools than if they had done the work themselves. Remember trying to use
Excel without any training or guidance? Without proper training, AI becomes a productivity drain instead of a competitive advantage.

2) Security risk is real: As a former banker, I will not deny the security risk that comes with AI. It exists even if we don’t use AI within the organisation because of external actors. Therefore, understanding the technology is still important. When employees lack proper AI tools and training, BCG Research shows more than half will find alternatives and use them anyway. This creates security risks and fragmented efforts across your organisation. Training your team on approved AI tools eliminates the security nightmare of unknown applications interacting with your business data.

3) Productivity improvements that pay for themselves: A groundbreaking Wharton/Harvard Business School study of nearly 800 Procter & Gamble employees found that teams working with AI achieved remarkable productivity gains when properly trained. The study demonstrated that human-AI collaboration, when done right, multiplies team capability far beyond what either humans or AI can accomplish alone. Effective AI training does not require massive budgets. BCG found that regular usage increases dramatically for employees who receive just five hours of training with in-person coaching.

4) The skills premium is real: According to PwC’s Global AI Jobs Barometer, AI-skilled workers commanded a 56 per cent wage premium in 2024. LinkedIn research confirms that AI literacy is now the most in-demand skill of 2025. This means your current team members are becoming more valuable when they develop AI skills and proactively investing in their development demonstrates your commitment to their professional growth.

5) Employee engagement transforms with leadership support: According to BCG Research, employee positive feelings about AI rise from 15 per cent to 55 per cent with strong leadership support. When leaders champion AI training, teams don’t just learn the tools, they feel valued and supported in their professional development. This kind of investment in employee growth creates the foundation for long-term loyalty and engagement.

Your next step

Stop letting your employees learn and use AI in secret. Invest in comprehensive training that transforms hidden experimentation into competitive advantage. The organisations that act decisively on AI training today will shape the future of business in the Caribbean.

Check out my upcoming AI masterclass for hands-on practical learning in five essential AI skills.

Visit
http://bit.ly/aimasterclass2025oct for more details or e-mail
info@crescentadvisorygroup.com for group packages or a custom team workshop.

Nadeen Matthews Blair is an AI consultant and trainer/founder and CEO, Crescent Advisory Group.