The rollout of artificial intelligence in the workplace is unfolding unevenly across developed economies, with Ireland leading the charge and Japan lagging significantly behind, according to new data from Indeed and other sources. While personal use of AI is currently outpacing professional adoption globally, the degree to which employers are encouraging – and enabling – AI integration appears to be a key differentiator.
Indeed’s latest Workforce Insights Report, released today, , reveals that 70% of workers in Ireland are using AI at work at least monthly – the highest rate among eight countries surveyed. This contrasts sharply with Japan, where only 18% of workers report similar professional AI usage. The US and UK fall in between, with adoption rates of 43% and 41% respectively.
The data suggests a strong correlation between employer encouragement and actual AI utilization. In Ireland, 37% of workers report high levels of encouragement from their employers to use AI, compared to just 12% in Japan. This suggests that simply making the technology available isn’t enough; active promotion and support are crucial for driving adoption.
Interestingly, the survey highlights a consistent trend: individuals are experimenting with AI tools in their personal lives at a faster rate than companies are integrating them into workflows. In Ireland, 72% of respondents report using AI personally, compared to 70% at work. This gap, while relatively small in Ireland, underscores a broader dynamic where individual curiosity and exploration are driving AI’s initial growth, with workplace implementation lagging behind.
The benefits of AI adoption are also becoming apparent. In Ireland, the majority of AI users report meaningful time savings, with only a small minority experiencing no benefit. This suggests that, when implemented effectively, AI can deliver tangible productivity gains.
However, the report also points to a potential challenge: a lack of adequate training and support. Even among regular AI users, many report not receiving sufficient assistance from their employers. Jack Kennedy, Senior Economist at noted that “one-off introductions or informal learning won’t be sufficient as AI tools continue to evolve.” This highlights the need for ongoing investment in employee training and development to maximize the benefits of AI and prevent a widening skills gap.
The uneven adoption rates observed across countries raise questions about the factors influencing AI integration. Cultural differences, regulatory environments, and the availability of digital infrastructure likely all play a role. The Public Sector AI Adoption Index 2026, released earlier this month, further illustrates this point, revealing that France lags behind other European nations in AI adoption within its public sector, with nearly half of public servants never having used the technology at work despite significant government investment. The study, published by Public First for the Center for Data Innovation with sponsorship from Google, found that 74 percent of French public servants say AI could not perform any part of their work.
The AI Diffusion Report from Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute reinforces the idea that strong economic foundations are critical for AI adoption. The report identifies the UAE, Singapore, Norway, and Ireland as leaders in AI adoption, attributing their success to strong access to technology, education, and policy coordination. Conversely, countries with weaker economic foundations are lagging behind.
The global M&A landscape is also being shaped by these trends, with companies increasingly focused on acquiring AI-related technologies and expertise. PwC’s outlook for 2026 highlights the growing importance of AI in driving deal activity, as businesses seek to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The data suggests that Ireland’s proactive approach to AI adoption – characterized by strong employer encouragement and investment in training – is paying dividends. As AI continues to evolve, other countries may need to emulate Ireland’s model to unlock the full potential of this transformative technology. The gap between personal and professional AI use also suggests a significant opportunity for businesses to bridge the divide and integrate AI more effectively into their workflows.
