What's Happening?
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform workplaces, HR leaders are focusing on human strategies to maximize its value. According to a 2025 EY survey, while 88% of employees report some AI use
at work, only 5% use it in advanced ways that fundamentally change their work. This indicates a significant gap in 'human readiness,' potentially causing organizations to miss out on up to 40% of productivity gains. The emphasis is on leveraging the humanity of the workforce to drive AI transformation, focusing on how AI is implemented rather than just what it does. Key strategies include fostering psychological safety, encouraging experimentation, and aligning AI tools with employees' work and purpose. These approaches aim to create a culture where innovation and productivity can thrive, ultimately leading to meaningful returns on AI investments.
Why It's Important?
The integration of AI into the workplace is not just a technological shift but a cultural one. Organizations that successfully harness AI's potential can achieve significant productivity gains and innovation. However, the real challenge lies in aligning AI tools with human capabilities and organizational goals. By focusing on human strategies, companies can ensure that AI adoption leads to sustainable transformation rather than short-term productivity boosts. This approach not only enhances employee engagement and satisfaction but also aligns with long-term business strategies, making it a critical factor for competitive advantage in the evolving digital landscape.
What's Next?
As businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate ROI from AI tools by 2026, HR leaders will play a crucial role in driving this transformation. Companies are expected to invest in training and upskilling to enable employees to use AI meaningfully. Additionally, organizations will need to establish a culture of experimentation and learning, where employees feel safe to innovate and take risks. This cultural shift will require ongoing support and alignment between HR, talent strategy, and broader organizational goals. The success of AI implementation will depend on how well companies can integrate human and technological capabilities to achieve strategic objectives.
