Experts say productivity metrics may need redefining as AI shifts routine tasks toward judgment and creativity, and employers should help workers adapt and build AI skills to thrive alongside technology.

Employers should invest in helping employees integrate AI into workflows and develop skills to thrive with AI, rather than focusing solely on efficiency.

Regions trailing include Nigeria (39%) and Vietnam (36%) for daily AI usage, showing regional variation in adoption.

India leads global daily AI usage at work, with 41% of Indian employees using AI nearly every day and 80% using it at least multiple times a week, the highest levels among surveyed markets.

Source: People at Work 2026, based on ADP Research’s Global Workforce Survey of over 39,000 working adults in 36 markets to gauge global workforce sentiment.

In India, 31% believe AI will positively impact their job responsibilities in the coming year, with knowledge workers more optimistic (37%) than other groups.

The report calls for redefining productivity to reflect new contributions involving AI and ensuring AI is embedded into workflows.

voices: ADP India SE Asia MD Rahul Goyal notes both opportunity and uncertainty, while ADP Chief Economist Dr. Nela Richardson emphasizes helping workers adapt so AI becomes a teammate, not a disruption.

The report leverages survey data from more than 39,000 working adults in 36 markets to understand global workforce sentiment.

Frequent AI users report higher engagement and lower negative stress (11% vs 23% among non-users), but daily users are four times more likely to feel less productive.

There is a disconnect between AI adoption and perceived productivity, as many daily users feel their contributions are harder to quantify and evaluate.

Frequent AI users report benefits like lower stress and stronger team dynamics, including higher likelihood of feeling part of the best team and job security.