Dayforce, Inc. (NYSE: DAY; TSX: DAY), a global leader in human capital management (HCM), has released its 16th Annual Pulse of Talent report, uncovering a significant disconnect between AI adoption and employee preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from nearly 7,000 workers, managers, and executives across six countries, found that while AI usage is rapidly increasing, 71% of workers have not received any AI training in the past year.

Executives lead the way in AI adoption, with 87% reporting active use of AI tools on the job—compared to 57% of managers and only 27% of frontline workers. Despite this surge, just 26% of organizations currently have a team or leader dedicated to responsible AI oversight.

“For HR leaders, the mandate is clear — infuse AI skills and pathways for your people today or risk being left behind,” said Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, Chief People Officer at Dayforce. “Employees are eager to grow, but without a clear strategy for training and career mobility, organizations risk creating a two-tier workforce — those driving innovation with AI and those struggling to keep pace.”

The report highlights a growing need for organizations to balance human potential with technological advancement to fully realize the benefits of AI in the workplace.

Key Findings

  • Training Gap: While 63% of employees recognize the importance of developing AI skills, 71% have not received any AI training in the past year.
  • Reskilling ‘Say-Do’ Gap: 82% of executives believe employers should reskill workers whose jobs are being reshaped by AI, yet only 17% of employees say their organization currently does so.
  • Adoption Divides: 87% of executives use AI in their work compared to 57% of managers and 27% of workers.
  • Trust & Governance: 58% of employees see ethical challenges in AI, but only 26% of organizations have dedicated responsible AI oversight. Executives are also 30% more likely than workers and 20% more likely than managers to trust their employer’s AI practices.

Where AI adoption is advancing, the benefits are tangible. Business leaders report measurable gains in HR automation (71%), internal mobility (71%), and learning and reskilling (69%) — underscoring AI’s growing impact on workforce efficiency and talent development.

“There’s a widening AI confidence gap – executives say they’re ready, but managers and frontline employees aren’t there yet,” said Carrie Rasmussen, Chief Digital Officer at Dayforce. “Three out of four executives say they’re prepared for AI, but that drops to less than one in four on the front lines. The real race isn’t just about speed – it’s about bringing your workforce with you.”

Additional Information

Download the full report: Turning Workforce AI Buzz into Business Value

Read the related blog: New AI Research: What 7,000 People Said About Hype, Hope, and ROI

Survey Methodology

In partnership with Hanover Research, Dayforce conducted the 16th Annual Pulse of Talent survey online between July 22 and August 6, 2025. The study included 6,954 respondents aged 18 and above from organizations across Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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