How do we find out what employees really think after an AI launch?
A demo can build enthusiasm without showing how the tool fits an ordinary workday. Ask for feedback after people have tried the real task and hit its limits, and say how you'll use what you hear.
Ask what they completed, what they corrected, where they needed help and what part of the work got harder. A survey that only checks whether people feel excited or confident misses most of that.
People hesitate to question a tool in front of its sponsor
Offer a private route for concerns, because it's hard to challenge a tool in front of the leader who sponsored it. Explain how the feedback will be used and collect no more personal information than you need.
Read the responses next to the work itself. A positive reaction doesn't prove the result is good, and a rough first experience doesn't prove the tool should go. Then send back a short account of what will change and what won't, so people can see the request had a purpose beyond documenting participation.
What to try this week
After your next demo, wait until people have used the real task, then send a short private form with those questions and a date for when you'll report back.