A recent Gartner survey of 105 HR leaders highlighted the growing interest in generative AI within human resources, though widespread adoption remains in its early stages. The findings reveal that only 5% of HR leaders have fully implemented generative AI solutions, while 9% are actively piloting such technologies.
However, more than half of HR leaders surveyed are in the exploratory phase, assessing the potential of generative AI without concrete solutions. Meanwhile, 14% have no immediate plans to leverage generative AI for HR purposes.
“More than half of HR leaders surveyed by Gartner said they are currently exploring how they can use generative AI with nothing in place yet,” said Dion Love, vice president of advisory in the Gartner HR practice. “Conversely, 14% of HR leaders are not planning to use generative AI in the near-term.”
Streamlining operations and recruitment
The survey identified HR operations, including administrative tasks, policy management, and document creation, as the leading areas where organizations prioritise generative AI applications. Recruiting functions, particularly job description creation, rank high among current use cases.
Among 167 HR leaders surveyed, over 60% reported participating in broader, enterprise-wide discussions on generative AI initiatives. Collaboration is a central theme, with 58% of respondents working alongside IT departments and 45% partnering with legal and compliance teams to explore viable use cases.
HR leaders are also positioning themselves as key players in ethical AI governance. According to Gartner, 35% of 133 HR leaders surveyed expect their department to lead their organization’s enterprise-wide AI ethics strategy.
“Our survey revealed that most HR leaders expect a decrease in headcount within the HR function once generative AI is implemented due to the increased efficiency,” said Love.
Most HR professionals are optimistic about technology’s impact on efficiency. Of 177 HR leaders surveyed, 84% believe generative AI will enhance productivity within HR activities. Furthermore, two-thirds of respondents expect generative AI to reduce redundant processes, freeing time for strategic initiatives.