43% Indian firms use AI, but workforce readiness still lags
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of the workplace, but technology alone is not enough. A new study shows Indian companies are adopting AI faster than before, yet many still face challenges preparing employees and delivering the workplace support they expect.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future plan for Indian workplaces, it is becoming part of everyday business. But while companies are investing in technology at a steady pace, preparing employees to work alongside it remains a bigger challenge.
The inaugural Aon Human Capital Trends Study paints a mixed picture. It found that 43% of organisations in India have already deployed artificial intelligence, while another 20% are running pilot programmes, showing that businesses are steadily moving towards AI-powered operations. Yet, despite these investments, many organisations are still struggling to turn technology into better workforce outcomes.
The findings suggest that adopting AI is only the first step. The bigger task is ensuring employees have the skills, support and workplace environment needed to make those investments worthwhile.
INDIA IS ADOPTING AI, BUT THERE IS STILL GROUND TO COVER
Compared with a few years ago, AI adoption in India has accelerated significantly. However, the country still trails the broader Asia-Pacific region, where 74% of organisations have either deployed or are piloting AI, compared with 63% in India.
Where India stands out, however, is in talent.
According to the survey, 39% of organisations are confident about attracting and retaining AI-skilled professionals, almost double the Asia-Pacific average of 21% and well ahead of the 24% global average.
The findings indicate that while AI talent remains scarce across many markets, India is emerging as one of the strongest destinations for organisations looking to build AI-ready teams.
Nitin Sethi, Head of Talent Solutions in India at Aon, said India is at a pivotal stage where growing AI adoption and a strong talent pool are creating fresh opportunities for businesses.
However, he stressed that the real value will come only if organisations continue investing in upskilling employees and developing workforce strategies that help people work alongside technology rather than compete with it.
BETTER DATA, BETTER DECISIONS
The study also highlights another area where Indian organisations are making progress: using workforce data to guide business decisions.
More than 55% of organisations reported high human resources data maturity, giving them better access to workforce insights and helping leaders make more informed decisions around hiring, productivity and organisational planning.
At the same time, one in four organisations (25%) said they now have a clearly defined employee value proposition, suggesting companies are becoming more intentional about aligning people strategies with business goals and improving the overall employee experience.
These gains could become increasingly important as businesses look beyond simply adopting AI and focus on building productive, future-ready teams.
WHERE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES DISAGREE
Despite the positive progress, the report points to a significant disconnect between what employers believe they offer and what employees actually experience.
While 89% of organisations said they were confident in their employee wellbeing strategies, employees reported a very different reality.
For example, 88% of employers believe they should provide childcare support, yet only 20% of employees said they actually receive it. Likewise, 89% of organisations consider financial education an important benefit, but just 14% of employees reported having access to it.
The findings suggest that designing employee benefits is only part of the solution. Communicating those benefits clearly and ensuring they reach the workforce may be equally important.
Ashley D'Silva, Head of Health and Wealth Solutions in India at Aon, said organisations now have an opportunity to strengthen employee value propositions by offering more personalised and flexible benefits that reflect different life stages.
He added that better communication, stronger workforce engagement and ensuring investments translate into real employee outcomes will be essential as companies navigate the next phase of workplace transformation.
Ultimately, the study suggests that India's AI journey is progressing well, but technology alone will not define success. The organisations that combine AI investments with skilled talent, data-driven decisions and a stronger employee experience are likely to be better positioned for long-term growth.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future plan for Indian workplaces, it is becoming part of everyday business. But while companies are investing in technology at a steady pace, preparing employees to work alongside it remains a bigger challenge.
The inaugural Aon Human Capital Trends Study paints a mixed picture. It found that 43% of organisations in India have already deployed artificial intelligence, while another 20% are running pilot programmes, showing that businesses are steadily moving towards AI-powered operations. Yet, despite these investments, many organisations are still struggling to turn technology into better workforce outcomes.
The findings suggest that adopting AI is only the first step. The bigger task is ensuring employees have the skills, support and workplace environment needed to make those investments worthwhile.
INDIA IS ADOPTING AI, BUT THERE IS STILL GROUND TO COVER
Compared with a few years ago, AI adoption in India has accelerated significantly. However, the country still trails the broader Asia-Pacific region, where 74% of organisations have either deployed or are piloting AI, compared with 63% in India.
Where India stands out, however, is in talent.
According to the survey, 39% of organisations are confident about attracting and retaining AI-skilled professionals, almost double the Asia-Pacific average of 21% and well ahead of the 24% global average.
The findings indicate that while AI talent remains scarce across many markets, India is emerging as one of the strongest destinations for organisations looking to build AI-ready teams.
Nitin Sethi, Head of Talent Solutions in India at Aon, said India is at a pivotal stage where growing AI adoption and a strong talent pool are creating fresh opportunities for businesses.
However, he stressed that the real value will come only if organisations continue investing in upskilling employees and developing workforce strategies that help people work alongside technology rather than compete with it.
BETTER DATA, BETTER DECISIONS
The study also highlights another area where Indian organisations are making progress: using workforce data to guide business decisions.
More than 55% of organisations reported high human resources data maturity, giving them better access to workforce insights and helping leaders make more informed decisions around hiring, productivity and organisational planning.
At the same time, one in four organisations (25%) said they now have a clearly defined employee value proposition, suggesting companies are becoming more intentional about aligning people strategies with business goals and improving the overall employee experience.
These gains could become increasingly important as businesses look beyond simply adopting AI and focus on building productive, future-ready teams.
WHERE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES DISAGREE
Despite the positive progress, the report points to a significant disconnect between what employers believe they offer and what employees actually experience.
While 89% of organisations said they were confident in their employee wellbeing strategies, employees reported a very different reality.
For example, 88% of employers believe they should provide childcare support, yet only 20% of employees said they actually receive it. Likewise, 89% of organisations consider financial education an important benefit, but just 14% of employees reported having access to it.
The findings suggest that designing employee benefits is only part of the solution. Communicating those benefits clearly and ensuring they reach the workforce may be equally important.
Ashley D'Silva, Head of Health and Wealth Solutions in India at Aon, said organisations now have an opportunity to strengthen employee value propositions by offering more personalised and flexible benefits that reflect different life stages.
He added that better communication, stronger workforce engagement and ensuring investments translate into real employee outcomes will be essential as companies navigate the next phase of workplace transformation.
Ultimately, the study suggests that India's AI journey is progressing well, but technology alone will not define success. The organisations that combine AI investments with skilled talent, data-driven decisions and a stronger employee experience are likely to be better positioned for long-term growth.
