A recent Aon plc report, conducted as part of a session on ‘How AI is changing the benefits world’ during Aon’s Global Benefits Day, gathered insights from over 50 global benefits and HR leaders. The report revealed a growing interest in the potential of generative AI to reshape HR practices. However, it also exposed a notable gap in actionable strategies to fully leverage AI. While nearly 20% of respondents are actively developing AI solutions, a striking 62.5% have yet to begin adopting any generative AI technology, indicating a clear hesitation or lack of readiness within the sector. 

In the survey, 16% of respondents pointed to ‘communication’ as the most promising area where AI could make a substantial impact, potentially enhancing the way organisations engage with employees and manage internal processes. However, the report highlighted ‘cost’ as the predominant barrier to AI adoption, with 18% of participants citing this as a major concern. This suggests that while the promise of AI is recognised, many organisations are grappling with the financial and logistical challenges associated with implementation. 

Navigating AI adoption and overcoming barriers

David Kirk, growth leader, Human Capital technology at Aon in the UK, said: “Generative AI and its potential keeps coming up in conversations with HR professionals. They are eager to understand it, but it’s also clear that they need guidance on how to communicate its benefits and to navigate the regulatory landscape that governs it. A well-thought-out approach to generative AI in HR will be able to transform organisations by empowering HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives while generative AI handles the more repetitive tasks such as employee agent 24/7 support. That way, it can deliver insights to HR leaders from data, helping to deliver impact with actionable suggestions or hyper-relevant communications – and ultimately driving greater efficiency and better-informed decision-making.”