New Report Highlights AI’s Growth Role

A new global report from Intuit underscores what many employers are already seeing firsthand: artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a core tool for business growth, productivity, and competitiveness. 

The Intuit 2026 AI Impact Report, based on insights from more than 34,000 small and midsize business owners and data from over 5.3 million businesses, offers one of the most comprehensive looks at how AI is being used and the results it is delivering. 

For Connecticut employers, the findings reinforce the growing role AI is playing in shaping how businesses operate. 

In a short time, AI has moved from a niche tool to a regular part of daily business operations. 

In the U.S., regular AI use climbed from 48% in July 2024 to 77% by January 2026. Across all countries surveyed, roughly seven in 10 businesses now report using AI regularly. 

This growth follows the introduction of tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, which made AI more accessible for businesses of all sizes. 

Early Results: Productivity, Time Savings 

Businesses using AI are already seeing measurable results. 

• 78% of U.S. businesses say AI has improved productivity 
• About 1 in 4 report shorter workdays 
• Many report stronger revenue performance 

These gains stand out in a challenging economic environment.

In 2025, small businesses experienced declines in both employment and revenue. Businesses using AI reported stronger outcomes, suggesting that AI is helping offset some of these pressures. 

Supporting Hiring, Not Replacing It 

The report also challenges the perception that AI replaces jobs. 

Instead, many businesses are using AI to support growth. 

• 17% of U.S. businesses said AI increased hiring 
• Only 4% reported workforce reductions 

Across all countries studied, businesses using AI were more likely to add to their staff than reduce it.

This is important to highlight given overall declines in small business employment during the same period. 

From Experimentation to Investment 

While AI use is spreading fast, most businesses are still in the early stages of adoption. 

Only about one in 10 businesses pays for dedicated AI tools, with many still experimenting through free versions or built‑in features.

Most businesses are still in the early stages of adoption.

However, once businesses pay for tools, they tend to continue investing. 

Among U.S. businesses that paid for AI tools in 2024, 86% continued investing in 2025, indicating strong long‑term value. 

This gap between casual use and deep investment highlights where many businesses are today as they continue to integrate AI into their operations. 

What This Means for Employers 

For employers, the message is clear. AI is already shaping how businesses operate. 

From improving productivity to streamlining daily work, AI is becoming a practical tool for addressing workforce challenges.

At the same time, many businesses are still exploring how to use these tools effectively. 

As adoption grows, preparing workers to use AI on the job will be increasingly important. 

Preparing workers to use AI on the job will be increasingly important.

The Intuit report shows that AI is no longer emerging. It is becoming part of day‑to‑day business activity. 

As more companies move from testing to fully integrating these tools, AI will play a larger role in productivity, workforce development, and long‑term competitiveness. 

For Connecticut’s business community, this presents both an opportunity and a call to action.

Ensuring businesses are prepared will be key to adapting to changes in how work gets done.