How your approach to AI impacts teamwork
Our latest data reveals that how teams implement AI, not just whether they do, determines the value it brings to effective teamwork. Learn about the benefits that 1/3 of nonprofits are realizing by balancing human and technology considerations in their AI rollouts.
Key findings on the state of nonprofit teamwork in 2026
Our research into the effectiveness of nonprofit teamwork and AI implementation strategies revealed:
- Teamwork is evolving: 59% of nonprofit organizations are changing how they work, with 53% of nonprofit knowledge workers using AI at least once a week.
- Approaches to AI implementation differ: Half of nonprofit teams are taking a human-focused approach to their AI implementation.
- Teams see greater AI ROI when focusing on both humans and technology: Teams that take a balanced AI approach are 40% more likely to have clear goals and priorities, 40% more likely to have time and capacity to coordinate, and 50% more likely to avoid teams working on duplicative work.
What is a human-focused vs. tech-focused AI approach?
- Human‑focused AI approach: AI strategy primarily designed around people – starting from their roles, skills, values, and workflows, then introducing AI in ways that support their judgment, relationships, and mission, even if that slows down adoption.
- Tech‑focused AI approach: AI strategy primarily designed around the capabilities of the technology – choosing tools, building integrations, and automating workflows to drive speed and efficiency, then asking people to adapt.
Read the report for more data and a conversation guide to support teams in balancing human and technology considerations in their AI strategies.
“At the Atlassian Foundation, we believe the instinct to put people first is one of the nonprofit sector’s greatest strengths — and it shouldn’t be left behind in the pressure to adopt AI. Our research is clear: teams that pair their human-centered values with a tech-informed perspective are the ones achieving meaningfully better outcomes with AI.“
Methodology
This report is a companion piece to The State of Teams 2026 – a report based on research conducted by Atlassian’s Teamwork Lab. Double-blind survey data was collected in January and February 2026 from 12,035 global knowledge workers—306 of which were nonprofit professionals. See the report for more methodology and sample details.
Explore The State of Teams 2026 for in-depth insights on how to achieve AI efficiencies for your team, not just individuals.
