Artificial intelligence dominates business headlines. Yet, for many organizations, the real challenge isn’t whether they can adopt AI, but whether they can do it in a way that drives real impact for their people and their business. That’s the central theme of Dayforce’s 16th Annual Pulse of Talent research, which surveyed nearly 7,000 workers, managers, and executives across six countries. 

This year’s findings show the AI conversation isn’t just about technology. It has to be about people, too. As the Chief People Officer and Chief Digital Officer at Dayforce, we see both sides of this story every day. Technology may advance rapidly, but business value remains out of reach without employee trust, skills, and support. 

AI at the crossroads of people and technology 

AI sits at the intersection of human potential and digital transformation. On one side, powerful tools open new doors for efficiency, decision-making, and innovation. On the other hand, workers are navigating change and looking for clarity, training, and reassurance as their roles evolve. Our Pulse of Talent data shows that the organizations finding success with AI bring these perspectives together, investing not only in the technology, but also in the people who use it. 

What’s blocking AI ROI? 

AI optimism is high, but value isn’t guaranteed. The data shows three main barriers holding organizations back: 
 

• Lack of training: Most employees haven’t received any AI training and enablement in the past year, despite 63% saying they want to develop AI skills. 

• Lack of transition support: While 82% of executives say companies should reskill workers impacted by AI, only 17% of organizations currently do. 

• Lack of trust: Over half of employees worry about AI’s ethical challenges, yet only a quarter of companies have a person or team responsible for ethical AI use. 

These are not purely technical challenges. They are also people challenges. Without support and transparency, adoption slows, and ROI slips further out of reach. 

What’s fueling the gaps? 

AI optimism is growing at every level. Two-thirds of employees believe AI can reduce busywork and free them up to do more meaningful work. Yet adoption tells a different story: 87% of executives use AI at work compared to 27% of employees. 

This disconnect has created a “three-speed organization,” with executives sprinting ahead, managers jogging to keep up, and workers walking behind. Technology might be racing forward, but the gap between optimism and outcomes will only widen if people aren't brought along for the ride. 

What really drives ROI? 

Despite the gaps, there are bright spots. Organizations that focus on specific, strategic use cases are seeing measurable returns: 
 

• Learning: 69% of executives say AI-driven learning tools deliver significant or transformational value. 

• HR support: 71% of executives see value in using AI to answer HR questions quickly. 

• Internal mobility: 71% of executives and nearly half of managers find AI valuable for matching employees to new opportunities. 

These examples highlight the power of aligning people and technology. AI succeeds when it helps employees grow, makes their work easier, and supports smarter decisions—not when it tries to be everything, everywhere, all at once. 

The path forward 

As leaders, we’ve seen firsthand that AI’s success depends on more than speed or scale. It’s about making intentional choices that connect technology with trust and innovation with inclusion. When HR and technology leaders work side by side, employees gain the skills and confidence they need, and organizations gain the clarity to turn experimentation into impact. 

We hope this year’s Pulse of Talent research inspires you to look at AI not just as a set of tools but as an opportunity to build stronger connections between people and technology and to create sustainable value for your organization.  

Download the full report 

This year’s research points to three imperatives for turning AI hype into impact. Learn more about those and the Pulse of Talent findings. Download the full report to see how your organization can turn workforce AI buzz into lasting business value.