The research examines how employees are adopting generative AI, the benefits they are experiencing and the challenges facing organisations as the technology becomes more widespread. One of its most significant messages is that using generative AI is not necessarily the same as understanding how to use it effectively, critically and responsibly. For businesses seeking to make the most of AI, developing these deeper capabilities is becoming increasingly important.
Generative AI adoption is growing, but skills development is lagging behind
According to the report, 29.3% of workers in the Republic of Ireland and 26.1% in Northern Ireland intentionally use generative AI as part of their work. These figures demonstrate that the technology is already established in workplaces across a broad range of sectors and occupations, although adoption remains uneven.
While the level of adoption is significant, the research reveals a considerable gap in formal training. Only 42.8% of GenAI-using employees in the Republic of Ireland and 37.7% in Northern Ireland have received or are receiving employer-provided training. Many workers have instead developed their skills independently, experimenting with tools and learning through everyday use. Even where formal training is available, it is often limited, with almost 60% of trained respondents in the Republic of Ireland reporting that their training amounted to less than one full day.
These findings raise important questions about how organisations are approaching AI skills development. Providing access to generative AI tools is relatively straightforward, but ensuring employees understand how to use them appropriately, evaluate their outputs and apply them to business challenges requires a more structured approach to learning.
Moving beyond basic AI use
The research also reveals differences in how workers are using generative AI. Writing and communication are among the most common applications, with employees using AI tools to draft content, summarise information and support everyday tasks. However, more advanced applications, including coding, data analysis and the development of complex solutions, are less widespread.
Most GenAI users rely on a single tool, while a smaller group demonstrates more extensive engagement across multiple platforms. This distinction matters because the potential business value of generative AI extends far beyond producing text or completing administrative tasks more quickly. Organisations have opportunities to integrate AI into business processes, analyse information, improve decision-making and develop new products and services.
Realising these opportunities requires more than familiarity with a particular platform. Employees and business leaders need to understand how generative AI systems work, recognise their limitations and evaluate which technologies are appropriate for different tasks. They also need the confidence to experiment with emerging applications while maintaining appropriate levels of human judgement and oversight.
AI competence matters more than time spent training
One of the report’s most significant findings concerns the relationship between AI competence and productivity. Researchers found that workers who rated their generative AI competence more highly also reported greater time savings and improvements in the quality of their work. Importantly, the amount of training received was not, by itself, a reliable predictor of improved work quality.
This suggests that organisations need to look beyond the number of employees attending AI training sessions and focus instead on the skills and understanding those employees develop. Practical experience, critical thinking, an awareness of AI limitations and the ability to assess outputs are all important elements of meaningful AI competence. A short introductory workshop may provide useful exposure to the technology, but deeper capabilities require opportunities to develop and apply knowledge in different contexts.
The report also identifies substantial potential benefits from AI adoption. Among GenAI users, 53.8% in the Republic of Ireland and 70.7% in Northern Ireland reported moderate or large improvements in the quality of their work. These self-reported improvements demonstrate the opportunities employees are already experiencing, while reinforcing the importance of developing the skills needed to make effective use of the technology.
Responsible AI use is an essential business skill
Alongside the opportunities, the report identifies weaknesses in organisational governance. Only 52.2% of GenAI-using employees in the Republic of Ireland and 36.5% in Northern Ireland reported working in organisations with an official AI policy or set of guidelines. At the same time, a large majority of respondents recognised the importance of human oversight when using generative AI.
These findings reinforce the need for businesses to consider not only what AI can do, but also how it should be used. Generative AI technologies can produce inaccurate information, reflect biases and introduce risks relating to data protection, confidentiality and intellectual property. Without appropriate knowledge and organisational safeguards, these issues can undermine the benefits that AI is expected to deliver.
For organisations, responsible implementation requires employees who can question AI-generated outputs, recognise potential risks and make informed decisions about when and how to use the technology. As AI becomes more closely integrated into business operations, the ability to balance innovation with responsible practice will become an increasingly valuable professional skill.
Developing the generative AI skills businesses need
The findings from the Working in Ireland Survey closely reflect the skills challenges addressed through the Digital4Business Master’s programme, which brings together advanced digital education and practical business applications. The programme is designed to help learners develop the knowledge and capabilities needed to understand emerging technologies and apply them effectively in a business environment.
Within the programme, the Generative AI module (opens in new tab), led by Roberto Henriques of NOVA IMS, Portugal, explores both the underlying technologies and their practical applications. Rather than focusing solely on the use of individual AI tools, the module develops students’ understanding of how generative AI systems operate, what they can achieve and how they can be integrated into real-world solutions.
Throughout the module, students are developing knowledge and competencies across several important areas:
- Understanding generative AI technologies: Analysing the core principles and mechanisms behind text, image, video and code generation, while developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Evaluating emerging developments: Exploring recent advances in generative AI through academic and industry research, and considering their practical applications, effectiveness and limitations.
- Applying effective prompt engineering: Designing and implementing strategies to improve the relevance, quality and usefulness of AI-generated outputs across different contexts.
- Integrating AI into business applications: Developing the competencies needed to architect and incorporate generative AI models into complex real-world solutions, while assessing their potential impact and effectiveness.
- Identifying opportunities for innovation: Exploring how generative AI can support new products, services and business processes across different sectors and areas of activity.
The module combines technical understanding with practical application, problem-solving, creativity and critical evaluation. These are particularly relevant skills as organisations move beyond initial experimentation and begin exploring how generative AI can contribute to broader business objectives. Understanding the technology at this level can help professionals identify opportunities, evaluate potential solutions and contribute more effectively to digital transformation initiatives.
Explore the Digital4Business Generative AI module and its learning outcomes. (opens in new tab)
From AI adoption to meaningful business value
The Working in Ireland Survey highlights both the progress being made and the challenges that remain. More than 84% of current generative AI users in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland expect to increase their use of the technology over the next two years. As adoption grows, the need for deeper skills, effective governance and responsible implementation is likely to become even more pressing.
For organisations, the challenge is no longer simply whether employees are using generative AI. It is whether they have the capabilities to apply it in ways that improve work quality, support innovation and maintain appropriate human oversight. Building those capabilities requires continued investment in education and practical skills development, rather than relying exclusively on informal learning or short introductory training sessions.
Through its focus on the practical application of emerging technologies, Digital4Business is helping learners develop the expertise needed to translate technological advances into meaningful business opportunities. As the research makes clear, the future value of generative AI will depend not just on the sophistication of the technology, but on the knowledge, skills and decisions of the people using it.
Source: Geary, J., Belizón, M. J. and Smart, C. (2026). GenAI Use in Work: Its Reach, Effects, Risks and Limits. Findings from the Working in Ireland Survey 2025.
Read the full Working in Ireland Survey report (PDF). (opens in new tab)