The surprising truth about AI and teamwork
Here’s something counterintuitive: the workers who use AI the most aren’t becoming isolated tech nerds hunched over computers. They’re actually becoming better collaborators. That’s the finding from Gensler’s 2026 Global Workplace Survey, which tracked over 16,400 office workers across 16 countries.
Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler, puts it plainly: “We often assume that more technology means less connection. But our data tells a different story.”
What’s really happening in AI-powered workdays
About 30% of employees now count as AI Power Users—people who regularly blend AI into both work and personal tasks. Here’s where it gets interesting: these AI enthusiasts spend less time working alone (37% of their week versus 42% for others) and more time on activities that matter for growth.
Specifically, they’re logging:
• 12% of their time learning (up from 8% for late adopters) • 11% socializing with colleagues (up from 9%) • Less solo work, more shared thinking
Think of it this way: AI isn’t replacing human connection—it’s freeing up time for it. Rather than grinding through routine tasks alone, people are spending more hours brainstorming, mentoring teammates, and picking up new skills together.
Teams are getting creative about connecting
Beyond just AI adoption, companies are rethinking how teams bond entirely. The trends making waves in 2026 include virtual escape rooms for distributed teams, creative workshops where colleagues paint or design together, and even TV-show style competition events that turn workplace collaboration into something fun.
Meanwhile, leadership is stepping up too. Organizations are conducting more one-on-one meetings (73.8% now do this regularly) and listening harder to employees through satisfaction surveys and exit interviews. The message is clear: people matter more than ever, even as technology reshapes the daily grind.
The real shift
What’s fascinating is that this isn’t about technology replacing humans—it’s about technology changing what humans focus on. As AI handles the repetitive stuff, teams get to concentrate on creative problem-solving, mentorship, and genuine connection. For anyone worried that remote work and AI would create isolated workplaces, the 2026 data suggests the opposite is happening. Teams are collaborating smarter, connecting deeper, and actually enjoying work more.
References:
- https://www.gensler.com/press-releases/global-workplace-survey-2026
- https://www.gotoevents.co.uk/top-team-building-trends-in-2026/
- https://www.talchamber.com/the-omnia-groups-2026-talent-trends-report-never-leaving-the-human-behind-in-talent-decisions/
- https://omniagroup.com/five-years-of-omnias-talent-trends-what-weve-learned-and-whats-trending-now/
- https://www.thegutenberg.com/blog/ai-in-marketing-trends-2026-what-comes-next-for-marketing-teams/
- https://www.lewissilkin.com/insights/2026/03/10/global-mobility-in-2026-four-trends-redefining-strategy-risk-and-resilience
- https://offers.fadv.com/en-us/live-webinar-must-know-2026-global-workforce-trends
- https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2026/03/the-2026-hr-trends-small-businesses-cant-ignore.aspx
- https://www.focuscloudgroup.org/resources/blog/workday-salary-and-market-trends-report-2026–key-insights-for-the-emea-talent-market/
