43% Indian firms use AI, but workforce readiness still lags
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of the workplace, but technology alone is not enough. A new study shows Indian companies are adopting AI faster than before, yet many still face challenges preparing employees and delivering the workplace support they expect
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of the workplace, but technology alone is not enough. (AI-generated image)
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future plan for Indian workplaces, it is becoming part of everyday business. But while companies are investing in technology at a steady pace, preparing employees to work alongside it remains a bigger challenge
The inaugural Aon Human Capital Trends Study paints a mixed picture. It found that 43% of organisations in India have already deployed artificial intelligence, while another 20% are running pilot programmes, showing that businesses are steadily moving towards AI-powered operations. Yet, despite these investments, many organisations are still struggling to turn technology into better workforce outcomes
The findings suggest that adopting AI is only the first step. The bigger task is ensuring employees have the skills, support and workplace environment needed to make those investments worthwhile
INDIA IS ADOPTING AI, BUT THERE IS STILL GROUND TO COVER
Compared with a few years ago, AI adoption in India has accelerated significantly. However, the country still trails the broader Asia-Pacific region, where 74% of organisations have either deployed or are piloting AI, compared with 63% in India
Where India stands out, however, is in talent
According to the survey, 39% of organisations are confident about attracting and retaining AI-skilled professionals, almost double the Asia-Pacific average of 21% and well ahead of the 24% global average
The findings indicate that while AI talent remains scarce across many markets, India is emerging as one of the strongest destinations for organisations looking to build AI-ready teams
Nitin Sethi, Head of Talent Solutions in India at Aon, said India is at a pivotal stage where growing AI adoption and a strong talent pool are creating fresh opportunities for businesses
However, he stressed that the real value will come only if organisations continue investing in upskilling employees and developing workforce strategies that help people work alongside technology rather than compete with it
BETTER DATA, BETTER DECISIONS
The study also highlights another area where Indian organisations are making progress: using workforce data to guide business decisions
More than 55% of organisations reported high human reghts and helping leaders make more informed decisions around hiring, productivity and organisational planning
At the same time, one in four organisations (25%) said they now have a clearly defined employee value proposition, suggesting companies are becoming more intentional about aligning people strategies with business goals and improving the overall employee experience
These gains could become increasingly important as businesses look beyond simply adopting AI and focus on building productive, future-ready teams
WHERE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES DISAGREE
Despite the positive progress, the report points to a significant disconnect between what employers believe they offer and what employees actually experience
While 89% of organisations said they were confident in their employee wellbeing strategies, employees reported a very different reality
For example, 88% of employers believe they should provide childcare support, yet only 20% of employees said they actually receive it. Likewise, 89% of organisations consider financial education an important benefit, but just 14% of employees reported having access to it
The findings suggest that designing employee benefits is only part of the solution. Communicating those benefits clearly and ensuring they reach the workforce may be equally important
Ashley D’Silva, Head of Health and Wealth Solutions in India at Aon, said organisations now have an opportunity to strengthen employee value propositions by offering more personalised and flexible benefits that reflect different life stages
He added that better communication, stronger workforce engagement and ensuring investments translate into real employee outcomes will be essential as companies navigate the next phase of workplace transformation
Ultimately, the study suggests that India’s AI journey is progressing well, but technology alone will not define success. The organisations that combine AI investments with skilled talent, data-driven decisions and a stronger employee experience are likely to be better positioned for long-term growth
– Ends
Published By:
Princy Shukla
Published On:
Jul 4, 2026 16:27 IST
Read |Why Gen Z’s next promotion may depend less on AI and more on leadership skills
Read |India beats global average as AI takes over 37% of entry-level jobs
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future plan for Indian workplaces, it is becoming part of everyday business. But while companies are investing in technology at a steady pace, preparing employees to work alongside it remains a bigger challenge
The inaugural Aon Human Capital Trends Study paints a mixed picture. It found that 43% of organisations in India have already deployed artificial intelligence, while another 20% are running pilot programmes, showing that businesses are steadily moving towards AI-powered operations. Yet, despite these investments, many organisations are still struggling to turn technology into better workforce outcomes
The findings suggest that adopting AI is only the first step. The bigger task is ensuring employees have the skills, support and workplace environment needed to make those investments worthwhile
INDIA IS ADOPTING AI, BUT THERE IS STILL GROUND TO COVER
Compared with a few years ago, AI adoption in India has accelerated significantly. However, the country still trails the broader Asia-Pacific region, where 74% of organisations have either deployed or are piloting AI, compared with 63% in India
Where India stands out, however, is in talent
According to the survey, 39% of organisations are confident about attracting and retaining AI-skilled professionals, almost double the Asia-Pacific average of 21% and well ahead of the 24% global average
The findings indicate that while AI talent remains scarce across many markets, India is emerging as one of the strongest destinations for organisations looking to build AI-ready teams
Nitin Sethi, Head of Talent Solutions in India at Aon, said India is at a pivotal stage where growing AI adoption and a strong talent pool are creating fresh opportunities for businesses
However, he stressed that the real value will come only if organisations continue investing in upskilling employees and developing workforce strategies that help people work alongside technology rather than compete with it
BETTER DATA, BETTER DECISIONS
The study also highlights another area where Indian organisations are making progress: using workforce data to guide business decisions
More than 55% of organisations reported high human reghts and helping leaders make more informed decisions around hiring, productivity and organisational planning
At the same time, one in four organisations (25%) said they now have a clearly defined employee value proposition, suggesting companies are becoming more intentional about aligning people strategies with business goals and improving the overall employee experience
These gains could become increasingly important as businesses look beyond simply adopting AI and focus on building productive, future-ready teams
WHERE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES DISAGREE
Despite the positive progress, the report points to a significant disconnect between what employers believe they offer and what employees actually experience
While 89% of organisations said they were confident in their employee wellbeing strategies, employees reported a very different reality
For example, 88% of employers believe they should provide childcare support, yet only 20% of employees said they actually receive it. Likewise, 89% of organisations consider financial education an important benefit, but just 14% of employees reported having access to it
The findings suggest that designing employee benefits is only part of the solution. Communicating those benefits clearly and ensuring they reach the workforce may be equally important
Ashley D’Silva, Head of Health and Wealth Solutions in India at Aon, said organisations now have an opportunity to strengthen employee value propositions by offering more personalised and flexible benefits that reflect different life stages
He added that better communication, stronger workforce engagement and ensuring investments translate into real employee outcomes will be essential as companies navigate the next phase of workplace transformation
Ultimately, the study suggests that India’s AI journey is progressing well, but technology alone will not define success. The organisations that combine AI investments with skilled talent, data-driven decisions and a stronger employee experience are likely to be better positioned for long-term growth
– Ends
Published By:
Princy Shukla
Published On:
Jul 4, 2026 16:27 IST
Read |Why Gen Z’s next promotion may depend less on AI and more on leadership skills
Read |India beats global average as AI takes over 37% of entry-level jobs
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