In workplaces increasingly shaped by rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), communication challenges are emerging for both employees and supervisors. A common concern involves the growing use of AI tools by nonnative English speakers, who often rely on such technology to refine messages, raising questions about authenticity and clarity.

One supervisor at a small nonprofit reported receiving messages that appear to be generated or heavily assisted by AI from a subordinate whose English is competent but not native. The supervisor values the employee’s contributions but finds it unsettling when communications, especially on sensitive topics, feel impersonal or indistinct. The broader issue touches on how the pervasive adoption of AI—particularly large language models—can blur the lines between a person’s original ideas and machine-generated phrasing.

Currently, many organizations lack explicit policies regarding the use of AI for composing or editing workplace communications, leaving ambiguities in what is acceptable. Experts suggest that rather than confronting the individual employee directly, managers might consider establishing clear office-wide guidelines on AI usage, especially for messages involving confidential or sensitive information. Such policies would aim to foster transparency and set expectations without singling out specific individuals, while also reassuring employees who may feel insecure about their language skills that the emphasis is on the content, not just the form.

Conversely, communication can also falter in the opposite direction. Another case involves a colleague whose emails are often indirect, vague, or awkwardly structured, leading to misinterpretations and inefficiencies. Despite requests to clarify his messages, the employee’s communication style remains unchanged, frustrating coworkers who prefer straightforward exchanges.

In situations like this, experts recommend responding with carefully crafted replies that paraphrase and reorganize the original message into clearer, actionable points. This approach forces the sender to confront the gaps and ambiguities in their communication and models the clarity that is needed. It also shifts some responsibility for understanding back to the sender, reducing guesswork and repeated clarifications for recipients.

While AI might be a potential tool to help overly indirect communicators sharpen their messages, the root problem may be a lack of skills or motivation to change entrenched habits. Ultimately, creating a culture where open, explicit communication is encouraged—whether aided by technology or human effort—can benefit both individuals and organizations.

As workplaces continue to adapt to AI's growing presence, managers and employees alike face new questions about how best to balance technological assistance with authentic, clear communication. Establishing transparent policies and promoting direct dialogue appear to be key steps in navigating this evolving landscape.