Sapient Insights Group has released the findings of its 28th Annual HR Systems Survey, the industry's most comprehensive and non-sponsored report on HR technology. Based on input from 9,886 HR professionals across 4,670 global organizations, the 381-page report provides an extensive, data-driven view of the market. A key finding reveals that 31% of organizations are now using some form of AI-enabled technology, with adoption ranging from widespread use of ChatGPT to embedded AI within specialized HR applications.
Quick Intel
Sapient's 28th HR Systems Survey gathered data from 9,886 HR professionals.
31% of organizations are currently using some form of AI-enabled technology.
Among AI users, 58% use ChatGPT, while only 9% use HR apps with embedded AI.
The survey saw a 67% increase in participation, strengthening data validity.
It includes Voice of the Customer ratings for 1,539 solutions across 22 tech segments.
The report provides practical advice on AI investments beyond the market hype.
The report dedicates a 26-page section to cutting through the hype surrounding artificial intelligence, providing a realistic picture of its adoption and use in HR. The data shows that while AI adoption is growing, it is not yet universal. For the 31% of organizations using AI, the most common tool is ChatGPT (58%), followed by AI-supported meeting tools (11%) and HR applications with embedded AI (9%). The analysis offers practical advice on approaching AI investments and identifies the vendors to watch in this rapidly evolving space.
This year's survey is distinguished by a 67% surge in participation, providing a much larger and more robust dataset for analysis. The report has expanded to include new technology segments such as labor scheduling, labor budgeting, leave management, and contingent workforce management. This broader scope offers HR tech buyers unparalleled insight, with all Voice of the Customer satisfaction and user experience ratings broken down by company size for more relevant comparisons.
According to Sapient's Chief Research Officer, the goal was to provide actionable intelligence based on solid data. "In this year's report, we wanted to give HR decision makers a realistic, practical view of AI based on solid data, rather than market hype," said Stacey Harris, managing partner and chief research officer. The report also examines broader trends, such as enterprise vendors increasingly targeting the mid-market and the impact of hybrid work models on innovations in scheduling and time-tracking solutions.
The 2025-2026 HR Systems Survey stands as an essential resource for any organization navigating the complex HR technology landscape. By offering objective, data-rich insights into everything from AI adoption and vendor satisfaction to implementation strategies and budgeting, it empowers HR leaders to make informed, strategic decisions that align technology investments with desired business outcomes.
About the 2024-2025 HR Systems Survey
Now in its 28h year, Sapient's HR Systems Survey is unquestionably the longest-running, most comprehensive survey of the HR technology landscape, as well as the only completely objective, non-sponsored study of its kind. This year, HR professionals representing 4,670 organizations around the globe participated, and 1,539 technology solutions are referenced.
As the HR technology landscape has expanded, so has the survey, which now covers 22 technology segments, including emerging technologies and AI workforce tools. The annual report includes in-depth analysis of each tech segment, along with current and future adoption rates, customer retention, replacement plans, and projected vendor growth. The report also breaks down the demographics of HR organizations, system governance, system strategy and implementation, business and talent outcomes, technology spending, and much more.
About Sapient Insights Group
Sapient Insights Group is a certified women-owned, privately-owned consulting, research, and advisory firm. Specializing in HR and operational systems and practices, we support clients navigating complex challenges across HR transformations, change management, leadership, culture, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise system strategies. The company's HR Systems Survey is the HR profession's most trusted source for objective data on the HR technology market and insights to guide buyer investments and vendor product development and marketing.
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