A growing majority of global executives are embracing artificial intelligence not as an emerging tool, but as a foundational part of business operations, according to new research from global employment platform G-P.
The company’s second annual AI at Work Report shows that 91% of executives are scaling up their AI efforts, and nearly three-quarters (74%) say AI is critical to their organization’s success. Only 1% of respondents reported not using AI at all.
“AI is no longer just an experimental technology,” said Nat Natarajan, G-P’s chief product and strategy officer. “It’s become a strategic pillar for companies looking to stay competitive, no matter where they are around the world.”
Access to AI influencing talent mobility
Executives are not only expanding AI usage—they’re also factoring it into job decisions. Nearly half (46%) of leaders surveyed said they would consider switching employers for better access to AI tools or a stronger culture of AI adoption.
The report also found that more than a third of business leaders (35%) would implement AI tools even without formal approval, pointing to a shift in workplace norms where access to productivity-enhancing technology is increasingly non-negotiable.
About two-thirds of executives said they use AI for more than 25% of their work. Many—67%—indicated they would trade headcount reductions for a 50% increase in productivity powered by AI.
AI finds a foothold in HR and compliance
Human resources leaders are leaning heavily into AI to manage complex legal and compliance issues, with 82% saying AI is essential to their company’s success. Nearly one in four identified compliance automation as one of the biggest opportunities to increase productivity through AI.
“Compliance management, communications enhancements, compensation and pay, collaboration, and training are among the top areas for organizational AI use,” said Zachary Chertok, senior research manager for employee experience at IDC.
The findings reflect a broader trend in which HR leaders are using AI to shift focus from administrative tasks to employee enablement and organizational performance.
Caution remains around high-stakes decisions
Despite strong adoption, many executives are wary of relying on AI for high-risk decisions. More than half (51%) said they do not trust AI to make financial investment or budgeting calls. Only 3% said they fully trust AI to make any kind of decision, citing concerns over data quality and output accuracy.
The results suggest that while AI is gaining traction in workflow automation and efficiency gains, its role in mission-critical strategy remains limited.
G-P highlights use of trusted HR AI assistant
G-P pointed to its own AI-enabled HR assistant, G-P Gia, as an example of how AI can be integrated responsibly. The company said the tool, built on over a decade of compliance experience, helps HR leaders navigate complex legal environments across borders while cutting administrative time and costs.
As AI use becomes more embedded in daily business operations, the research indicates that organizations that prioritize accuracy, transparency, and human oversight will be better positioned to capture its long-term value.
