Major companies are realizing that throwing expensive AI tools at employees isn't enough. They're now offering cold hard cash and incentives to actually get people to use them.
The pattern is clear: companies invest heavily in AI platforms, then hit a wall when employees are hesitant. Concerns about job security, lack of training time, and reluctance to share successes slow adoption. So now they're getting creative.
Law firm Shoosmiths created a 1 million pound bonus fund tied to Microsoft Copilot usage 770 pounds per employee if they hit 1 million uses. Fintech Brex awarded 225+ spot bonuses ranging from $150 to several thousand for AI-driven projects. IBM offers BluePoints redeemable for electronics and concert tickets. Sanofi awards points for employees who experiment with AI.
It's not just about hitting numbers. Companies are framing this as changing behavior—establishing comfort and routine first, then optimization later. Recognition and rewards fuel trust, and trust is what makes adoption scalable.
Some are getting really ambitious. 1Mind's founder is considering offering forward-vesting equity to anyone who automates themselves out of a job. Interesting signal about where this is heading.
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