Exploring how HR professionals across Europe are navigating AI adoption, trust, governance, and accountability
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the world of work, and HR professionals are increasingly being asked to lead organisations through that transformation. But how prepared does the profession feel? Where is AI already being used in HR practice, and where do significant gaps still remain?
The HRxAI European Survey 2026 brings together perspectives from 327 HR professionals across 30 countries, offering insight into how AI is currently being approached across recruitment, talent management, organisational governance, and professional capability development.
The findings reveal a profession that is open to innovation, aware of the opportunities AI may bring, but still navigating important questions around trust, accountability, training, and responsible implementation.
Key themes emerging from the survey include:
- growing but often informal AI adoption in HR
- limited organisational governance frameworks
- low levels of formal AI training for HR professionals
- strong support for maintaining human accountability in HR decisions
- cautious optimism about AI’s long-term strategic role in HR
This report was developed collaboratively with partner organisations contributing to the wider European HR and people management dialogue. It is intended to support discussion, reflection, and practical learning for HR professionals, employers, researchers, and policymakers interested in the future of AI in people management.
Whether you are beginning your organisation’s AI journey or looking to strengthen existing approaches, the report offers valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges currently shaping HR practice across Europe.
