3 charts on what CHROs think about AI and the future of their departments

Summary

The Boston Consulting Group’s “Creating People Advantage” report, based on responses from more than 7,000 HR and business leaders across 115 countries, shows that AI and digital solutions have climbed CHROs’ priority lists between 2023 and 2026. Around 70% of leaders reported using generative AI in some capacity, mainly for reporting, learning and recruiting.

Despite higher prioritisation, many HR leaders lack confidence in their departments’ current capabilities. Only roughly one-third rated their organisations as having a “high” or “somewhat high” level of capability in key future-critical HR functions (leadership development, upskilling/reskilling, strategic workforce planning). Generative AI and emerging-technology deployment scored lowest on confidence among eight critical priorities for digital transformation.

The report highlights a gap: CEOs are far more bullish on AI (94% would keep investing even if near-term returns lag), creating pressure for CHROs to accelerate digital implementation and define the people agenda that will support organisation-wide AI adoption.

Key Points

BCG surveyed 7,000+ HR and business leaders across 115 countries; 70% reported using generative AI for tasks such as reporting, learning and recruiting.
Digital solutions and generative AI moved up CHROs’ priority lists from 2023 to 2026, while priorities like engagement, rewards and flexible-work policies declined.
Only about one-third of respondents said their organisations have “high” or “somewhat high” capability in future-critical HR functions (leadership development, upskilling/reskilling, strategic workforce planning).
Generative AI and emerging-technology deployment received the lowest confidence ratings among eight priorities deemed crucial for digital transformation; HR leaders are split on GenAI’s relevance (38% say strong/high relevance; 36% say some/low relevance).
CEOs are significantly more confident in AI’s potential than HR leaders (94% of CEOs would keep investing even without immediate payoff), signalling that CHROs must move faster to align people strategy with the AI agenda.

Why should I read this?

Quick version: CHROs say AI matters but don’t feel ready. This piece saves you the time of sifting through the full report by flagging where the gaps are—capability, confidence and where to focus upskilling. If you’re in HR, people strategy or responsible for tech adoption, it’s a nudge (and a warning) to get a plan together now before the rest of the business barrels on without you.