Companies Invest Heavily in Artificial Intelligence, but Performance Gains are Not Guaranteed
Companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, but this does not automatically guarantee an increase in performance. This is the main lesson from the Global Talent Trends 2026 study published by Mercer, which was conducted among nearly 12,000 leaders, HR managers, investors, and employees in 16 countries.
A New Stage in Transformation
The report shows that organizations are entering a new stage in their transformation. After focusing their efforts on adopting AI technologies, they must now tackle a more complex challenge: rethinking the way work is organized. According to Mercer, technology creates value only when it is accompanied by an evolution of processes, skills, and management methods.
The Paradox of AI Investment
The study's results illustrate this paradox. While 99% of leaders plan to continue investing in artificial intelligence, only 37% believe their organization is truly ready to exploit its full potential. At the same time, 62% of leaders consider that redefining work has become a strategic priority, indicating that companies are becoming aware that transformation is primarily human and organizational.
Key Findings
- 99% of leaders plan to continue investing in artificial intelligence
- Only 37% of leaders believe their organization is ready to exploit the full potential of AI
- 62% of leaders consider redefining work a strategic priority
- Companies must evolve their processes, skills, and management methods to create value from technology
Conclusion
The study highlights the need for companies to rethink their approach to artificial intelligence and work transformation. While investing in AI is crucial, it is only the first step. To truly reap the benefits of technology, companies must prioritize the human and organizational aspects of transformation, including process evolution, skill development, and management method adaptation.
