Intuit’s new global report highlights what many employers are already seeing. That means artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a core tool for business growth, productivity, and competitiveness.
The Intuit 2026 AI Impact Report is based on insights from more than 34,000 small business owners and data from more than 5.3 million companies, providing the most comprehensive view of how AI is used and the results it delivers.
For Connecticut employers, the findings confirm the growing role that AI is playing in shaping how businesses operate.
In a short period of time, AI has gone from a niche tool to a regular part of daily work.
In the US, regular use of AI rose from 48% in July 2024 to 77% by January 2026. Roughly 7 in 10 companies across all countries surveyed now report using AI on a regular basis.
This growth has come with the introduction of tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, making AI more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Early results: productivity, time savings
Companies using AI are already seeing tangible results.
- 78% of US companies say AI has increased productivity
- Approximately 1 in 4 people report a shorter working day
- Many companies report improved revenue performance
These gains stand out in a challenging economic environment.
In 2025, small businesses experienced declines in both employment and revenue. Companies using AI report better outcomes, suggesting that AI is helping offset some of these pressures.
Support hiring, not replacement.
The report also challenges the perception that AI will replace jobs.
Instead, many companies are using AI to support growth.
- 17% of US companies say AI has increased employment
- Only 4% reported reducing their workforce
Across all countries surveyed, companies using AI were more likely to hire more employees than reduce them.
This is important to highlight given the overall decline in small business employment over the same period.
From experimentation to investment
The use of AI is rapidly gaining popularity, but most companies are still in the early stages of adoption.
Only about 1 in 10 companies pay for dedicated AI tools, and many are still experimenting with free versions or built-in features.
Most companies are still in the early stages of adoption.
However, once companies pay for a tool, they tend to continue investing.
Of the US companies that paid for AI tools in 2024, 86% continued to invest in 2025, demonstrating strong long-term value.
The gap between casual use and deep investment highlights the current situation as many companies continue to integrate AI into their operations.
What this means for employers
For employers, the message is clear. AI is already shaping the way businesses operate.
From increasing productivity to streamlining daily tasks, AI is becoming a practical tool to address workforce challenges.
At the same time, many companies are still figuring out how to use these tools effectively.
As adoption continues, it will become increasingly important to prepare employees to use AI in their work.
It will become increasingly important to prepare employees to use AI in their work.
Intuit’s report shows that AI is no longer emerging. It is becoming part of daily business activities.
As more companies move from testing these tools to fully integrating them, AI will play an even greater role in productivity, workforce development, and long-term competitiveness.
For Connecticut’s business community, this is both an opportunity and a call to action.
Ensuring companies are prepared is key to adapting to changes in the way work is done.
