82% of HR Professionals Use AI, but Most Lack Job-Specific Training
Human resources teams are adopting artificial intelligence at a rapid pace, with 82% of HR professionals now using AI tools in their daily work. However, only 30% have received comprehensive AI training tailored to their specific job functions, according to a recent survey conducted by General Assembly.
AI is freeing up time for more strategic work, with 69% of HR professionals reporting this benefit. Additionally, 41% say they work fewer hours thanks to AI adoption. Yet, without targeted training, many HR workers are left to learn AI on their own, leading to uneven confidence and effectiveness.
Training makes a difference. HR professionals who have received job-specific AI training are 35% more likely to feel very or completely confident in their AI skills compared to those who have self-taught. Since HR teams are central to talent development and employee upskilling, their proficiency with AI tools directly influences broader workforce capabilities.
How HR Uses AI Today
- 46% use AI to analyze employee feedback
- 46% use AI to write job descriptions
- 45% use AI to design training materials
Despite this, formal training has not kept up. Beyond the 30% with job-specific training:
- 18% received basic training covering concepts but not applications
- 12% had generic AI training not useful for HR tasks
- 14% sought out training independently
- 26% received no formal AI training at all
The lack of training is most pronounced in younger workers, with 38% of Gen Z HR professionals reporting no formal AI training. Industry-wise, healthcare professionals are the most likely to have no AI training (32%), while finance (39%) and professional services (46%) report the highest rates of comprehensive, job-specific training.
Demand for Practical AI Training
There is a strong appetite for practical, hands-on AI training focused on HR tasks:
- 70% want interactive workshops on HR-specific AI use cases
- 63% seek regular updates as AI tools evolve
- 59% of non-AI users say hands-on, role-specific training is necessary to get started
HR professionals are most interested in learning AI applications in workforce planning (47%), designing training materials (46%), and writing employee communications (42%).
Mandates vs. Encouragement
Mandating AI use can backfire. Among HR professionals at companies requiring AI usage, 41% say it has increased their workload and distracted from other priorities. This contrasts with only 13% at companies that encourage but do not require AI use. Motivation to adopt AI comes mainly from a desire to improve productivity and reduce workload, rather than leadership pressure.
Closing the Training Gap
To fully benefit from AI, HR departments need more targeted, practical training that aligns with their day-to-day responsibilities. Investing in role-specific AI education not only boosts confidence but also helps HR professionals deliver better results in talent management and employee development.
For HR professionals looking to build or improve their AI skills, exploring dedicated courses can be an effective next step. Resources like Complete AI Training's HR-focused programs offer practical, role-based learning opportunities designed for immediate application.
Survey Methodology
The data comes from a General Assembly survey conducted from June 9 to 20, 2025, involving 288 HR professionals working at organizations with 100 or more employees across the US and UK.
About General Assembly
General Assembly is a leading community focused on talent development and upskilling for the technology-driven workplace. Founded in 2011, it provides hands-on training to help individuals and businesses gain the practical tech skills needed today. As part of the Adecco Group and partnering with LHH, General Assembly connects talent with business needs worldwide.
Your membership also unlocks:
