While more employees are using organisational AI in the workplace, the need for training still persists according to the report.
Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, in line with its Work Just Got Smarter campaign, has released research exploring how workplace attitudes in relation to AI have transformed over the course of the last 12 months.
The research was conducted alongside the release of new AI guidance designed to support businesses as they navigate the adoption of artificial intelligence across a number of areas, such as awareness, responsible use, employer engagement and practical steps for getting started.
The platform collected data from more than 800 employees in 2024 and again in 2025 to draw comparisons and found that in July of this year, 40pc of employees reported using AI in the workplace, compared to just 19pc in August of the previous year. There was also a 21pc increase in the use of AI for specific roles.
Commenting on the report, Erik O’Donovan, the 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.”
Room for growth
Ibec’s research indicated that the majority of employees who contributed to the report have experienced clear benefits. For example, 80pc of respondents are of the opinion that AI has improved their productivity, while three-quarters of participants stated it gave them the freedom to work on other aspects of their job.
However, it wasn’t all positive, as more than 80pc were also of the opinion that additional training is required to make better use of AI. 27pc of employees admitted they have received no formal training, while 65pc said they very likely need more training. The latter statistic actually rose by 11pc from the previous year.
O’Donovan explained that if the government, sectors, organisations and individuals want to truly realise the economic opportunities born from AI, including net job creation, then urgent action is required. “AI access, literacy, and skills are now a strategic imperative for all,” he said.
Anne O’Leary, the president of Ibec and head of Meta Ireland, added: “At Meta, I have been privileged to see first-hand 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.”
She further stated that AI adoption is essential for achieving economic competitiveness in a space that is evolving by the day. With Ireland and wider Europe sharing similar political commitments and ideas around a digitalised, green future, the region will have to accelerate AI readiness and close existing gaps if it is to meet ambitious targets.
“Talent development and skills will be central to achieving this,” said O’Leary.
“While AI is a powerful tool, it would be naive 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.”
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