In episode 417, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, the CEO of the future-of-work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts where he is an author who was dubbed the “Office Whisperer” by The New York Times and he helps tech-forward leaders stop overpaying for AI while boosting adoption and decreasing resistance. Mike asks Dr. Gleb about his brand-new book, “The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work: From Resistance to Results“, in which he explores how AI will fundamentally transform the workplace, applying his findings to facility managers and workplace strategists. He believes that FM leaders will need to evolve with increased integration of AI, IoT, and robotics, demanding new skills and adaptability as their role becomes that of “a managers of agents” overseeing both digital and physical assets. AI adoption faces unique psychological barriers beyond traditional change management challenges, specifically fear, identity threat, and shame. So, workplace professionals must start by addressing these emotions through supportive leadership, transparency, and the normalization of AI use.
Agenda
- Why psychological barriers are the biggest challenge to AI adoption in the workplace
- The role of fear, identity threats, and anxiety in slowing organizational change
- How workplace leaders and facilities managers can prepare for AI-driven work
- The future of managing digital and physical AI agents
- How workplace design may evolve as AI changes the way people work
- The growing influence of robotics, IoT, and automation in facilities management
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: The biggest barriers to AI adoption are human, not technical
Dr. Gleb argues that most organizations already have access to the technology needed to begin using AI. The greater challenge is helping people overcome the emotional responses that often accompany technological change. Employees frequently worry that AI will replace their jobs, reduce their value, or fundamentally alter the skills that made them successful.
According to Dr. Gleb, organizations that focus solely on implementation and training risk overlooking the psychological factors that ultimately determine adoption success. Leaders must address concerns openly and create environments where employees feel supported as new technologies are introduced.
Takeaway 2: Fear, identity threats, and shame drive resistance to AI
Traditional change management approaches are often ineffective because AI creates different forms of resistance than previous workplace technologies. Dr. Gleb identifies fear, identity threats, and shame as three major emotions influencing employee reactions to AI.
Many employees worry they are training systems that could eventually replace them. Others fear appearing less knowledgeable or capable when learning new AI tools. Organizations that recognize and address these underlying concerns are better positioned to create trust, improve adoption rates, and achieve meaningful business outcomes.
Takeaway 3: Leaders must prepare to become managers of agents
One of the most significant predictions from the discussion is the rise of the “manager of agents.” As AI becomes more embedded in workplace operations, facilities management, and business processes, professionals will increasingly oversee networks of digital assistants, autonomous systems, and intelligent technologies.
Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional operational responsibilities, future workplace leaders will need skills in coordinating, evaluating, and optimizing AI-powered tools. Dr. Gleb believes this shift will become a defining career requirement over the next several years.
Takeaway 4: AI may reshape workplace design and employee expectations
The conversation explores how AI could influence the future of office environments. Dr. Gleb suggests that as individuals increasingly collaborate with AI tools, demand may grow for spaces that support focused, independent work.
He challenges the long-term viability of open office environments, arguing that concentration and deep work may become more important as employees use AI to enhance productivity. Organizations may need to rethink how workspaces are designed to support these changing work patterns.
Takeaway 5: Facilities management is becoming increasingly technology-driven
The future of facilities management will be shaped by robotics, IoT technologies, edge computing, and automation. These technologies are expected to handle more routine operational tasks, creating opportunities for facilities teams to focus on strategy, optimization, and oversight.
As organizations adopt more connected technologies, facilities managers will increasingly manage technological ecosystems instead of relying solely on manual processes. The profession is evolving from operational execution toward technology leadership and strategic decision-making.
Workplace management insights
- Successful AI adoption requires organizations to address psychological barriers as well as technology implementation.
- Fear, identity threats, and anxiety are among the most significant drivers of employee resistance to AI.
- Traditional change management approaches may not fully address the emotional concerns associated with AI adoption.
- Workplace leaders and facilities managers will increasingly become managers of AI-powered agents and systems.
- Office design may evolve to support more focused, individual work alongside AI tools.
- Robotics, IoT, and edge computing will continue transforming facilities management operations.
- Facilities professionals will need stronger technology management skills as automation expands.
- Organizations that combine technical enablement with effective people strategies will be best positioned for long-term AI success.
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