Artificial intelligence is lifting workplace efficiency but also adding to employee workloads across major markets, including India, according to Korn Ferry’s Workforce 2026 Global Insights Report.
The survey of more than 16,000 professionals across 11 markets, including India, found that while 63% said AI had increased their efficiency, 52% said AI tools had increased the number of tasks expected in their role. A majority, 62%, reported significantly heavier workloads over the past two years, and 61% said they were performing the responsibilities of more than one role.
The report also found that 49% of respondents felt exhausted by the pace of change, while 64% said their company was more focused on driving efficiencies than adding value. Nearly half, 45%, said they were too busy to deliver meaningful results.
Jenna Young of Korn Ferry questioned whether organisations can sustain “people feeling like they’re permanently working two jobs.”
The report, published on 10 September 2026, spans markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, Japan and Australia. Its authors recommend that employers redesign roles around what humans and AI each do best, and remove low-value tasks, rather than layering AI-related work on top of existing responsibilities.
