Generative artificial intelligence adoption and employees' perspectives on AI at work: toward unalienated working life or AI-augmented alienation?

Purpose Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into our working lives. Previous research has explored topics such as AI-related fears among working people and AI technology adoption in companies, but people's perceptions of AI in the context of AI adoption are still not well understood. This article looks at the intersection of AI technology adoption and AI-related job concerns in one company. Design/methodology/approach A rapid ethnographic case study of a Finnish energy company during its introduction of a generative AI tool was conducted. This article explores: (1) How is AI technology adoption managed? (2) How do employees perceive AI-related social risks concerning their working lives? And (3) how are perceived risks related to AI accommodated? We utilized Marx's framework on alienation to analyze employees' AI-related job concerns and future perceptions, and improvisational change management theory to analyze technology adoption strategy. Findings AI-related concerns included both job security-related and job quality-related concerns. AI-related fears also manifest in rhetorics on the alienation-reducing potential of AI and digital automation. Employees' initiative is emphasized in technology adoption, which underlines the importance of their AI acceptance. Originality/value The article illustrates how AI acceptance is constructed in work culture, and it also shows how a classic theory can be relevant for analyzing AI perceptions. It demonstrates why employees' AI acceptance is central in the context of employee-led practices in AI technology adoption.