In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and redefining the way we work. As human resource (HR) professionals, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to effectively manage talent and drive organisational success. According to the Adecco Group’s 2025 Business Leaders research, “Leading in the age of AI: Expectations versus reality,” 44% of C-suite leaders cite a lack of internal skills and resources as the biggest barrier to improving talent strategies (up 17% from 2024). This growing capability gap underscores the urgent need for workforce-wide upskilling—especially within HR, where AI’s impact is both immediate and far-reaching.
We have recognized this need and launched a comprehensive AI learning programme designed to equip our people with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI across roles globally.
This isn’t just about training – it’s a strategic investment in people, culture and the future of work. With a personalised, inclusive, approach, we believe putting employees at the heart of the programme sets a new standard for how organisations can lead with AI.
We want to “drink our own champagne” as a company which has the ambition to bring everyone along into the AI era. We want to make AI accessible and human-centric so that it can unlock human potential for our own employees, our candidates and across our enterprise clients of all sizes.
The strategic importance of AI in HR
AI is redefining the world of work in so many ways, so, naturally it has a major impact in HR. AI is revolutionizing HR by automating repetitive tasks, improving decisions, and offering real-time insights across the employee lifecycle–from recruitment and onboarding to employee engagement and performance management.
Encouragingly, CHRO confidence in their organizations’ AI strategies is growing—rising from 53% in 2024 to 63% in 2025, according to our latest research. This reflects a deliberate focus on internal execution, workforce readiness, and process optimization. Tactical progress, such as targeted training and meaningful workflow changes– is building belief in AI’s practical value.
Our AI Learning Programme supports this momentum. It’s not a standalone initiative, but a pillar of our broader digital transformation strategy. As we evolve into a more data-driven, tech-enabled organisation, we see AI as a critical enabler of innovation and client value. According to our survey, low technology literacy is the top barrier to creating an adaptable workforce. We’re addressing this challenge head-on by building digital confidence and capability at every level of the organisation, future-proofing our workforce and advancing responsible, human-centric AI adoption.
A vision rooted in empowerment
At the core of the Adecco Group’s AI Learning Programme is a bold vision: to equip every colleague with the confidence and skills to lead with AI—not just adapt to it. This vision reflects our broader purpose “to make the future work for everyone” by unlocking more fulfilling work experiences and new value for clients, candidates, and employees alike.
We want our people to feel empowered, not intimidated–supported with the right tools, knowledge and space to explore AI in ways that are meaningful to them.
Our Global Workforce of the Future research, “Working through change: Adapting to an AI-driven world of work,” shows that 40% of workers are concerned about long-term job security. Addressing these fears is essential to unlocking AI’s full value.
That’s why education is a central focus of our Programme. It isn’t just about tools, it’s about building confidence, meeting people where they are, and supporting their growth.
Learning that fits real life
Flexibility is a cornerstone of our approach. Learning is self-paced, delivered through the platforms our employees already use. Live micro-sessions offer real-time learning and collaboration opportunities and deepen understanding. We also encourage active engagement through internal channels where employees can share insights, ask questions, and explore topics ranging from strategic AI initiatives to becoming AI influencers.
Overview of the AI Learning Programme
The Programme spans a broad range of topics, from machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to data analytics, prompt engineering, and AI ethics. It’s hands-on, interactive learning with real-world case studies, practical exercises, and modular content tailored to both beginners and experienced professionals.
With over 760 hours of learning content covering 89 distinct AI skills, the programme currently includes 190+ courses, with plans to expand to 400+ by October 2025. Learning is self-directed, flexible, and updated regularly to reflect the latest advancements.
Recognizing that AI literacy is not a one-size-fits-all journey, we designed the programme to reflect our organizational diversity. Whether a colleague is just beginning, developing technical capacity, championing cross-functional AI adoption, or shaping strategy, the programme provides tailored, role-specific content.
For our HR teams, this is a game-changer. AI can enhance recruitment through intelligent sourcing and candidate matching, elevate employee engagement with personalized communication and predictive analytics, and optimize performance management using real-time data –all while addressing ethical, transparent use.
Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with our colleagues reporting growing confidence and curiosity across the board. We’re closely tracking outcomes—skill acquisition, certification rates, innovation metrics, and business impact—to guide continuous improvement and ensure alignment with the dynamic needs of our workforce.
A model for the industry
By investing in AI literacy and fostering a culture of learning, we’re preparing our people for what’s next—and setting a benchmark for the industry.
In launching the AI Learning Programme, we are setting a powerful example. Rather than treating AI as a niche skill or a future concern, we’ve made it a shared opportunity open to every employee.
For HR leaders seeking to build resilient, future-ready organizations, the message is clear: AI literacy is not optional–it’s a strategic imperative.
By embracing AI, we empower our people to evolve their roles and accelerate our collective success.
As the landscape continues to evolve, the ability to leverage AI will define tomorrow’s leaders. We are committed to supporting every step of our employees’ AI journey and unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology. In doing so, the Adecco Group is not only enhancing its own capabilities but also shaping the future of work—one learner, one skill, one breakthrough at a time.
Read Also : HR Is Not a Support Function—It’s the CEO’s Most Powerful Growth Engine
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
From Gatekeeping to Gateway Building: Transforming How Organisations Create Access
Leadership In Talent Management: A Powerful Driver for Economic Growth
