New Accenture research shows executives accelerating hiring and technology spending as employees seek clearer communication.
Irish business leaders are entering 2026 with a strong sense of momentum and a clear appetite for transformation, according to new findings from Accenture’s Pulse of Change survey.
The study shows that 95% of leaders in Ireland expect the pace of change to increase this year, the highest figure among all 20 countries surveyed. Their optimism extends to economic performance, with 96% anticipating domestic revenue growth, surpassing the European average.
“Employees are asking for clearer communication and clarity in how AI will change their roles and skills”
The research highlights a decisive shift towards artificial intelligence investment. Accenture reports that 94% of Irish leaders plan to increase AI spending in 2026 and nine in ten expect to grow their hiring plans.
This marks a sharp contrast with sentiment among employees, only 44% of whom feel secure in their jobs. Many are unsure about how AI will affect their roles and skills, and just over one in five say they can use AI tools confidently and explain them to others.
Workers and bosses not aligned on AI promise
The survey reveals a clear gap in how leaders and employees view generative AI. More than nine in ten leaders say their experience with the technology over the past year has improved their outlook on its potential.
Half of employees hold the same view, and many express uncertainty about how organisations intend to deploy new technologies. Only 17% strongly agree that leadership has explained how AI agents will influence the workforce.
Hilary O’Meara, Accenture’s country managing director in Ireland, said companies face a critical moment in the adoption of new technology.
“Irish business leaders are demonstrating remarkable ambition when it comes to AI investment and reinvention,” she said. “However, this research shows that for organisations to fully unlock the value of AI, they need to bring their people with them.
“Employees are asking for clearer communication and clarity in how AI will change their roles and skills. The companies that succeed in 2026 will scale trust, transparency and capability, resulting in greater employee confidence. That is how Ireland will sustain its competitive edge and ensure AI becomes a driver of shared growth for both leaders and employees.”
Further findings point to a mismatch in perceptions of preparedness. Accenture notes that while all leaders surveyed believe their workforce has the right training to work with AI, only 55% of employees agree.
Just 27% feel very prepared to respond to technological disruption in the year ahead. Only 3% say their roles have undergone significant change due to AI so far, indicating that many workers have yet to experience the practical effects of the transition.
More than half of leaders say they will prioritise upskilling and reskilling programmes this year as organisations race to embed AI into operations.
Despite that, the survey shows that employees are still seeking greater clarity about how their work will evolve.
The findings suggest that while Irish leaders are moving decisively into the next phase of AI adoption, their ability to keep the workforce informed and confident may determine the success of these investments.
Top image: Hilary O’Meara, Accenture’s country managing director in Ireland
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