Average annual training hours per employee in Hong Kong reached 19.4 hours in 2025 - the highest level in 14 years - as companies intensified technology adoption and workforce upskilling, a survey from the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management showed on Friday. The 6.8% increase from 18.1 hours in 2024 marks the second straight year of growth and signals a structural shift in how businesses are investing in their people.
Training hours climb back to 2011 levels
The 2025 figure approaches the 19.9-hour peak recorded in 2011, before a long plateau. The study collected responses from 127 companies across 18 industries between February 10 and April 30 this year, covering nearly 80,000 full-time employees. The broad sample underscores that the trend spans sectors, not only technology-driven fields.
AI reshapes learning priorities across all roles
Charles Ho Long-chau, co-chairman of the institute's learning and development committee, said the push for AI training now reaches every level of the organisation. "The increase in training hours is also driven by the fact that AI now affects colleagues across all levels, from senior and middle management to junior staff."
Looking ahead to 2026, leadership development remains the top employer priority at 50%. Mastering generative AI for learning jumped from sixth place to second at 49%, reflecting how quickly AI has become central to workforce strategy. For training and development leaders, this reordering is creating demand for structured AI learning pathways that can scale across teams.
Why this matters for HR professionals
Rising training hours and the pivot toward AI mean HR teams need to revisit budget allocations and program design. AI upskilling is no longer an IT-only concern - it affects hiring, performance management, and career development. Professionals who build their own AI literacy now will be better positioned to shape strategy. Resources such as AI for Human Resources can support that learning without requiring a steep technical background.
Organisations that align training investments with practical AI adoption may close productivity gaps faster, while those that delay risk compounding existing skill shortages. The survey data suggests the window for acting is narrowing.
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