Tools based on artificial intelligence are becoming the go-to problem-solvers for employees whenever a problem arises, according to the MKOR study “AI Adoption Report Romania 2026.”
Roughly 1 in 5 employees (22%) ask an AI first, rather than a team colleague or direct manager.
When they do not know how to solve a work task, employees in Romania most often turn to an AI assistant (22%). This is followed by the organization’s internal resources (19%), then a colleague at a similar level, the direct manager, and an internet search, all three at 16%. Only 9% try to solve the task themselves, through trial and error.
However, the difference between AI and the other options is still not very large. The six options range between 9% and 22%, indicating that Romanian employees still divide their instinct to ask for help among several sources, not just between human and machine.
For 4 in 10 employees who use AI at work, it is primarily a practical tool. 39% use it to get rid of repetitive and boring tasks, while 39% perceive it as an advantage over other professionals in their field. Another 31% consider it a necessity, so as not to fall behind. Only 6% feel AI as additional pressure and 4% as a source of stress or anxiety.
Employees tie in their use of AI into a larger picture as well. More than half (58%) do not anticipate major changes over the next 3-5 years: 32% believe their work will not be affected at all, while 26% believe AI will take over only minor tasks. On the other hand, 23% expect a significant part of their responsibilities to change, while 11% believe their role could become rare or disappear.
Overall, the average level of concern is 4.0 on a scale from 1 to 7. More than a quarter of employees (28%) report a high level of concern, with scores of 6 or 7.
The study shows a link between the use of AI and expectations regarding one’s own role. Those who already use AI anticipate changes more often: among all respondents who work, 38% of AI users expect their work to change moderately or significantly, compared with 21% of those who have not used it.
“AI adoption in companies in Romania starts from the bottom, from employee initiative. People have started using these tools because they help them work faster and find solutions more easily, often without waiting for official approval,” said Cori Cimpoca, Founder of MKOR.
The main risk highlighted by the study concerns the increasingly small number of entry-level positions. Eliminating these positions today may create a shortage in the medium and long term of workers capable of solving complex problems, which only practical experience can compensate for.
To adapt to workplaces that integrate AI, employees noted that critical thinking and the ability to verify work done by AI (21%), adaptability and continuous learning (20%), specialization in practical fields (19%), and effective use of AI tools (15%) are important.
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