A new, comprehensive international study sheds light on how artificial intelligence is affecting businesses today. The findings suggest that AI’s influence has been more modest so far than many might have expected. Most companies are just beginning to explore AI’s potential, with only slight changes in productivity and employment observed over the past few years.

AI Adoption Is Widespread but Still Early

The study gathered insights from nearly 6,000 verified executives across four countries, including the US and UK. It found that about 69% of firms are already using some form of AI technology. The most common applications include text generation using large language models, data processing through machine learning, and visual content creation. In the UK, AI adoption increased from 61% in 2024 to 71% in 2025, showing rapid uptake.

Despite the high adoption rates, the impact on day-to-day operations is still unfolding. Many companies have embedded AI tools into their workflows, but the measurable effects on productivity or workforce size remain small at this stage. This reflects a typical pattern with new general-purpose technologies, which often start with incremental changes before more significant shifts occur.

Future Impact Expected to Accelerate

Looking ahead, executives are optimistic about AI’s future influence. They anticipate that over the next three years, productivity could increase by around 1.4%, with output rising by about 0.8%. In the US, the expected productivity boost is slightly higher at 2.25%. These gains are notable, especially in economies that have struggled with sluggish growth for years. When these small improvements happen across many sectors, they can add up to meaningful boosts in overall economic output.

As for employment, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Executives expect a modest 0.7% reduction in workforce size over the same period. In the UK, most of this decrease is due to slower hiring rather than outright layoffs. This suggests a gradual shift in roles, with some jobs shrinking while new ones emerge. Many of these new roles are likely related to AI oversight, data management, prompt engineering, and AI-driven services—positions that didn’t exist a few years ago.

Overall, the study paints a picture of AI as a slowly evolving technology at this stage. It’s not causing dramatic upheavals yet, but there’s strong belief among leaders that its impact will grow significantly in the near future.

Different Views Between Leaders and Workers

The study also compared what executives expect from AI versus what workers anticipate. Researchers surveyed US employees about their views on AI’s impact on jobs and productivity. Interestingly, workers expect AI to slightly increase employment—by about 0.5% over three years—while executives forecast a small decrease of 1.2%. Additionally, employees believe productivity will grow by around 0.92%, which is less than the 2.25% increase predicted by business leaders.

This gap shows how different perspectives shape expectations. Leaders tend to focus on cost efficiencies and technological potential, while workers are more cautious about job security. Nonetheless, the overall message is that AI is still in the early stages of its influence, and many anticipate that its effects will become more pronounced with time.

In summary, the latest research suggests that AI’s impact on businesses and jobs is just beginning. Companies are adopting it widely, but the full effects are still to come. As technology advances, the next few years could bring bigger changes—both opportunities and challenges—for the workforce and the economy.

Inspired by

• https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/ai-impact-executives-optimism-for-the-future/

Sources

• nber.org
• ai-expo.net
• techexevent.com
• techforge.pub
• techforge.pub