More than 60% of HR professionals say artificial intelligence is now a top priority across HR functions, according to a new survey-based report. Another 15% said it is becoming a growing priority in areas such as recruitment and onboarding.
The findings come from the Genius HRTech DigiPoll survey, titled “AI As The New HR Priority: Efficiency, Cost and Workforce Impact.” It is based on responses from 1,811 HR professionals across industries, surveyed between May 7 and 31. Some 60% of respondents cited improving efficiency and productivity as the primary reason for AI adoption, followed by 20% who cited cost reduction and workforce optimisation.
The report found 42% of respondents reported significant improvements in the speed and efficiency of HR processes, and another 29% noted moderate gains. On workforce structures, 42% said AI is reducing reliance on manual or repetitive roles, while 37% said it is enabling smarter workforce planning.
“Successful AI adoption is not about replacing people, it is about empowering them,” said Genius HRTech Chairman R P Yadav, adding that organisations combining automation with human expertise and ethical governance will build more resilient workplaces.
The numbers track with wider research. SHRM’s State of AI in HR 2026 study found 60% of extra-large organisations had implemented AI tools in their HR functions, with recruiting the most common entry point. That study also found that more than half of adopters do not formally measure the return on their AI investments.
