AI has been framed as a threat to employment. It has also raised questions about future office demand as companies evaluate staffing levels, productivity and workplace needs.

The early data shows a growing share of workers using AI, but no corresponding collapse in employment. The share of employed adults reporting that they use generative AI for work increased from 33.3% in Q3 2024 to 45.2% in Q2 2026. Over the same period, unemployment remained within a relatively narrow range and stood at 4.1% in August 2026.

Atlanta’s office vacancy stood at 24.7% at the end of Q2, reflecting continued market challenges. At the same time, tenants leasing at least 10,000 SF have signed approximately 12 million SF of office leases since January 2025. New leases accounted for 65% of the total, compared with 35% renewals, while direct space represented 93% of activity.

Professional, scientific and technical services generated the largest share of recent leasing activity, followed by finance and insurance and information users. Together, these industries accounted for approximately 4.2 million SF, or 36% of all lease signings. Although this activity is not a direct measure of AI-related companies, it indicates that technology-intensive and knowledge-based businesses remain significant users of office space.

Companies continue to commit to physical office space, but those commitments are becoming more selective and increasingly tied to productivity, collaboration and business operations.

*Atlanta office lease signings Q1 2025 to present, 10k+SF, Top Tenant Industries