A new national survey by Quinnipiac University found that 15% of Americans say they would be willing to take a job in which their direct supervisor is an artificial intelligence program that assigns tasks and sets schedules. The poll was conducted between March 19 and March 23, 2026, with 1,397 adults nationwide participating.
The findings suggest a cautious openness among a minority of U.S. workers toward AI in managerial roles, even as most respondents still prefer human leadership. The survey also explored broader attitudes toward AI’s impact on jobs and the workforce, with many Americans expressing concern about how AI could affect future employment opportunities.
Experts in workplace technology say the survey reflects the growing presence of AI tools in everyday business operations, from scheduling and workflow optimisation to performance tracking, even if full AI leadership remains a distant reality for most. “Some employees see benefits in consistency and data‑driven management, but trust and accountability are still top concerns,” one analyst noted.
The poll also underscores generational differences in attitudes toward AI. Younger workers tend to be somewhat more receptive to AI leadership than older age groups, although the majority in all cohorts still favour human supervisors.
Quinnipiac’s March 2026 poll provides a snapshot of how Americans are thinking about the role of artificial intelligence in the workplace- balancing curiosity and practicality, with clear reservations about technology replacing human judgment in more complex aspects of work.
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