Confidence in artificial intelligence is strengthening among Singapore’s workforce, yet uneven adoption across organisations and lingering questions over productivity gains signal a more complex transition for business leaders.
According to ADP’s People at Work Report 2026, only 10% of workers in Singapore now feel uncertain about AI’s impact on their roles, down from 19% a year ago. The shift reflects growing familiarity with the technology as usage becomes embedded in day-to-day work.
More than half (56%) of employees report using AI multiple times a week, while nearly a quarter (23%) use it daily — placing Singapore ahead of global averages in adoption frequency.
Adoption uneven across firms
Despite rising confidence, the report highlights a clear divide in how organisations are scaling AI. Mid-sized firms are emerging as frontrunners, with 34% of employees using AI daily — significantly higher than both small businesses and large enterprises, where usage stands at 19%.
The disparity suggests structural challenges at both ends of the spectrum. Smaller firms may lack access to cost-effective tools and implementation expertise, while larger organisations face complexity in integrating AI across established processes and systems.
“Singapore’s workforce is becoming more confident about AI and its role in the workplace,” said Yvonne Teo, vice president of HR, APAC at ADP. “The challenge now is scaling its use effectively across organisations of different sizes.”
Teo noted that mid-sized companies often strike a balance between agility and resources, offering a model for broader adoption.
Productivity paradox emerges
While usage is increasing, perceived value remains less certain. Only 15% of Singapore workers strongly believe AI will positively impact their job responsibilities in the near term, pointing to a gap between adoption and tangible outcomes.
Globally, frequent AI users report higher engagement and lower stress levels, yet are also more likely to question their productivity. This paradox suggests that while AI may improve workplace experience, its contribution to measurable output is not yet fully understood.
“AI is reshaping how work gets done, but adoption alone does not guarantee meaningful workplace impact,” said Jessica Zhang, senior vice president of APAC at ADP. “Workers need to understand how these technologies fit into their day-to-day workflows to unlock real productivity gains.”
Implications for operating models
The findings carry implications for COOs tasked with translating AI adoption into business performance. Experts point to the need for clearer operating frameworks, targeted training and well-defined performance metrics to ensure employees can effectively integrate AI into their roles.
Workforce sentiment also varies by role and demographic. Knowledge workers show higher optimism about AI’s potential, while adoption spans age groups more evenly than expected, with mid-career professionals among the most active users.
Dr Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, said organisations must manage both operational and cultural shifts. “Employers that help workers transition to new ways of working can foster a workplace where AI feels less like a disruption and more like a teammate,” she said.
