As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly common across offices and industries, Indian IT major Infosys has said that the year 2026 could mark a clear divide between companies that successfully transform with AI and those that fall behind.
In an interview with People Matters, Infosys leaders explained that many organizations are currently experimenting with AI tools, but few have managed to integrate them meaningfully into daily work. According to the company, this gap is expected to widen over the next few years.
Infosys said becoming an “AI-first workplace” goes far beyond adding chatbots or automation software. Instead, it requires a fundamental rethink of how jobs are designed, how teams work, and how employees are trained.
The company stressed that AI should not be viewed only as a cost-cutting or job-replacement tool. The real impact, Infosys noted, comes when AI and humans work together, with machines handling repetitive tasks while employees focus on decision-making, creativity, and complex problem-solving.
Many businesses today are still running small AI pilots or limited trials. While these experiments may deliver short-term gains, Infosys warned that organizations that fail to scale AI across workflows and departments risk losing competitiveness in the long run.
According to the IT services firm, companies that fully embed AI into everyday operations by 2026 are likely to work more efficiently, improve employee productivity, make faster and better decisions, and adapt more easily to market changes.
At the same time, Infosys highlighted that AI is more likely to change the nature of jobs rather than eliminate them altogether. New roles are expected to emerge that combine technical skills with human judgment, communication, and ethical decision-making.
The company placed strong emphasis on reskilling and upskilling, saying employees will need continuous learning opportunities to work confidently alongside AI systems.
Infosys also underlined the importance of organizational culture in AI adoption. Leaders must create an environment where employees feel safe to experiment, learn, and adapt, rather than fear mistakes or disruption.
According to Infosys, HR teams and senior management will play a crucial role in guiding this transition, from training initiatives to changing management strategies.
As AI tools become more powerful and accessible, Infosys believes the key question for businesses is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how effectively they integrate it into people, processes, and culture. Those that do so early and thoughtfully, the company said, are more likely to lead in the AI-driven future.
