New research highlights major workplace shifts in adoption of AI

• Over 20 percentage point increase in the use of AI in organisations compared to this time last year
• Increases in AI related training, but research shows demand growing among employees
• Ibec launches a new AI toolkit to support businesses at every stage of adoption

Ibec, the group representing Irish business, has published new comparative research on how employee attitudes toward AI adoption have shifted over the past year, underscoring a cultural shift in workplace practices. The findings were released as part of Ibec’s Work Just Got Smarter campaign, alongside the launch of new AI guidance designed to support businesses navigating adoption across multiple areas, with a focus on awareness, responsible use, employer engagement, and practical steps for getting started with AI.

The research shows that in July 2025, 40% of employees reported using AI in their workplace tasks compared with 19% in August 2024. The use of AI in specific roles rose from 12% in 2024 to 33% in 2025.

Overall, the majority of employees are reporting clear benefits. In 2025, 80% said AI is improving productivity, 75% said it allows them to focus more on other aspects of their role, and 81% said they could make better use of AI with additional training. The research also shows that 27% of respondents had not received formal training, while 83% said they need more AI training. Ibec has previously highlighted the National Training Fund as a means to support and expand new training opportunities in the field of AI.

Erik O’Donovan, Head of Digital Policy at Ibec, said:

“What we are witnessing in both our research and our direct engagement with businesses is an evolution. Interest and momentum are increasing. Across its many applications, AI offers opportunities for businesses and public services in productivity, process augmentation, and trade.

As with any major technological shift, there will be periods of rapid progress and moments of hesitation, but it is clear that AI is now a competitive issue and is increasingly being adopted in business processes, particularly in administration, marketing, and sales.

The readiness of government, sectors, organisations, and individuals to realise the economic opportunities from AI, including net job creation, requires urgent and coordinated action. AI access, literacy, and skills are now a strategic imperative for all.

AI readiness is a whole of government and whole of economy challenge. Ibec has a longstanding track record of engagement on AI policy and the workplace of the future. AI is a suite of general purpose technologies. As Ireland’s main cross sectoral enterprise body, Ibec has created practical and iterative guidance, supported by this campaign, to encourage national momentum on AI adoption, raise awareness, and offer Irish businesses tools and signposts that support their AI journey and compliance with the new EU AI Act.”

Anne O’Leary, President of Ibec and Head of Meta Ireland, added:

“At Meta, I have been privileged to see firsthand the potential AI has to revolutionise the way industries operate, creating new opportunities for growth and ambition. It is more important than ever for us to keep pace with the advancement of AI, and we must approach this seismic technology as a collective effort in Ireland and across Europe to ensure we champion innovation.

The Draghi Report makes clear that AI adoption is essential for economic competitiveness and differentiation. Europe and Ireland share a strong political commitment to a digital and green future, with ambitious targets for 75% enterprise adoption of AI by 2030. To accelerate AI readiness, we must close existing gaps and keep pace with global competition.

Talent development and skills will be central to achieving this. Ibec’s 2024 HR Update Survey found that 70% of respondents recognise AI’s potential to boost productivity, reflecting its transformative impact. Yet, while AI is a powerful tool, it would be naïve to underestimate the continued importance of talent, business operations, and organisational cultures that depend on human interaction and creativity. Realising the full benefits of AI will only be possible if people remain at the centre of it.”