Using ChatGPT At Work? These Mistakes Could Get You Fired

Using ChatGPT at work can make you faster, smarter and more productive—but it can also cost you your job. Millions of employees now rely on the AI tool daily, and OpenAI reports that 28% of employed U.S. adults who have ever tried ChatGPT now use it on the job, up from just 8% last year. As usage soars, so do the risks for professionals who aren’t aware of company AI policies.

The consequences are real. According to new research from KPMG and the University of Melbourne, nearly half of workers using AI are breaking company rules without realizing it. Even more troubling, many are exposing sensitive data or passing off AI-generated work as their own, eroding trust with managers and clients. In a competitive job market, those mistakes could end your career.

Before you use ChatGPT at work, discover the mistakes that could put your career at risk.

Why Using ChatGPT At Work Can Be Risky

You might think using ChatGPT at work is harmless, especially if it makes you more productive. But without clear rules or guardrails, even everyday AI tasks can put your job and reputation at risk.

AI tools have transformed workplace productivity in record time, with 70% of employees now using free platforms like ChatGPT instead of employer-provided solutions. This rapid adoption reflects the tangible benefits employees report, including major efficiency improvements (67%), better information access (61%), innovation (59%) and improved work quality (58%).

The problem isn’t the technology itself—it’s the speed of adoption. This shift has outpaced training and safeguards, leaving employees to navigate AI tools without understanding the potential consequences for themselves and their organizations.

The AI Risks Many Employees Overlook

Many workers focus on how AI saves time and forget to consider the potential downsides. Some of the biggest risks hide in plain sight, from subtle policy violations to data exposure you didn’t realize was possible.

The scope of this workplace challenge is staggering. Research shows 44% of AI users have violated company policy, while 66% have used generative AI at work without knowing if it was allowed. This policy confusion creates immediate career risks, especially as companies and regulators begin cracking down on improper use.

Employees operating in this uncertain territory face disciplinary action or termination—consequences that are becoming more likely as enforcement becomes increasingly aggressive and sophisticated.

How Employees Break AI Rules Without Knowing

Most workers aren’t intentionally breaking the rules—they simply don’t know what the rules are. Without clear company guidelines, it’s easy to use AI in ways that violate policy or compliance requirements.

In many organizations, AI policies are incomplete or nonexistent. Only 34% of companies have established guidelines for generative AI, and just 6% have banned its use entirely. This lack of clarity leaves employees guessing about what’s allowed, creating unnecessary risk for everyone involved.

Common AI rule violations include:

• Using unapproved AI tools for work tasks
• Uploading confidential or proprietary information
• Failing to fact-check AI-generated content before sharing

When Overusing AI Hurts Your Reputation

AI can be a valuable partner, but over-relying on it can backfire. Colleagues and managers may start questioning your skills if too much of your work sounds automated or lacks personal insight.

According to the KPMG study, two-thirds of AI users have used ChatGPT results without checking them, while 56% have made mistakes because of AI errors. More than half have passed off AI-generated work as their own.

Reputation risks include:

• Work that sounds generic or automated
• Colleagues questioning your skills or judgment
• Missed chances to showcase your own expertise

How AI Use Can Expose Company Data

It’s not always obvious when you’re sharing sensitive information. But entering the wrong details into an AI tool can leave your company exposed — even if you thought the data was harmless.

Nearly half of all AI users (48%) have uploaded sensitive company or customer data into public AI tools. When employees enter details into ChatGPT, that information can become part of the platform’s training ecosystem.

Sensitive information to avoid sharing with public AI tools:

• Financial reports or projections
• Customer lists or contact information
• HR records, legal documents or strategy memos

The Real Reason Companies Worry About AI

For many organizations, AI concerns go beyond productivity. Leaders are worried about legal exposure, regulatory changes and the long-term security of confidential information.

The danger doesn’t end once data is entered. Public AI tools continually evolve based on user input, meaning sensitive company information could resurface unexpectedly months or even years later. What seems harmless today might become a permanent part of an AI system’s knowledge base, creating risks that compound over time.

Why Data Risks Can Linger In AI Systems

Once information is entered into a public AI tool, it can be difficult to control where it goes. That data could be stored, analyzed or even resurface later in unexpected ways.

How AI data risks persist:

• Information may be stored indefinitely
• Content can be analyzed or cross-referenced with other sources
• Details might resurface months or years later

These lingering risks are especially serious for industries with strict privacy rules. In regulated fields, mishandling data in AI systems could lead to compliance violations, lawsuits or significant reputational damage.

Why AI Creates Compliance Challenges

Regulated industries face even higher stakes when using AI tools. In particular:

• Healthcare must comply with HIPAA rules when AI processes patient data
• Financial services must follow SEC and banking regulations that can be violated by AI-assisted analysis
• Legal practices must uphold attorney-client privilege and professional responsibility

3 Ways To Use ChatGPT At Work Safely

1. Know Your Company’s AI Rules Before You Start

Smart professionals begin by understanding their company’s AI policies before ever opening ChatGPT. Check with IT, legal or compliance teams to find out which AI tools are approved and how they can be used. If your company lacks clear rules, speak up and ask for guidance. Being proactive demonstrates leadership while protecting everyone from avoidable mistakes.

2. Never Share Sensitive Workplace Data With AI Tools

The cardinal rule is simple. Never enter sensitive, confidential or proprietary company information into public AI tools like ChatGPT. This includes customer lists, financial data, HR files, legal documents or anything protected by a non-disclosure agreement. Make classifying data a habit before sharing it with any AI platform.

3. Write ChatGPT Prompts That Protect Your Job

For ChatGPT at work, focus on AI prompts that ask for general ideas, methods or frameworks, not direct business data. For example, ask, “What’s a good way to analyze customer feedback?” instead of sharing actual complaints or records. Always review and fact-check AI outputs before using them.

Master ChatGPT At Work And Protect Your Career

You can still use ChatGPT to your advantage without putting your job at risk. The professionals who will thrive in this new landscape are those who invest in AI training, stay current on company policies and follow emerging industry guidelines. Use ChatGPT at work to boost your productivity , but remember that your professional judgment and integrity remain your most valuable assets.

By Caroline Castrillon, Senior Contributor