AI in learning has really hit its stride in 2026. More organisations than ever before have introduced AI-powered tools and platforms into their learning and HR teams, and they’re starting to reap the rewards. From AI content creation to AI-powered personalisation to AI coaches, find out what’s going on in the world of AI in learning in 2026.
AI adoption in learning and the workplace
AI use at work is no longer emerging – it’s becoming increasingly embedded in our everyday processes and workflows. Few of us are AI experts – yet – but it’s clear that almost everyone is exploring the benefits of AI.
- 98% of organisations are at least experimenting with AI. (Boston Consulting Group)
- 88% of organisations use AI in at least one business function. (McKinsey)
- Over 75% of organisations are using AI extensively. (Executive Forum)
- 75% of knowledge workers use AI at work. (Microsoft)
- 94% of employees have some level of familiarity with generative AI tools. (McKinsey)
- Only 5% of businesses are using AI in advanced ways that actually transform their work. (EY)
- 92% of CHROs anticipate greater AI integration in workforce operations. (SHRM)
AI skills gap and training challenges
There’s a growing gap between employees who understand AI tools and those who don’t. Without AI training or hands-on experience, that gulf is only going to widen, and those without AI skills will get left behind.
- Only 12.5% of respondents reported receiving comprehensive AI training from their organisation. (Executive Forum)
- 31% of employees reported receiving no AI training at all. (Executive Forum)
- 80% of professionals want to learn more about how to use AI in their profession. (LinkedIn)
- While 42% of workers expect their role to change significantly due to AI, 34% feel unprepared for AI-driven changes. (Bright Horizons)
- 49% of organisations say that the reskilling of people at scale is a barrier to AI implementation. (McKinsey)
- 65% of workers recognise the need to upskill in light of widespread AI adoption. (Randstad)
AI strategy, investment and organisational change
Unsurprisingly, more businesses than ever before are investing in AI tools and technology. Whether it’s AI agents, AI content creation or streamlining workflows and processes, it’s clear that spending on AI is showing no signs of slowing.
- 84% of organisations say they are planning to increase their spend on AI tools. (Deloitte)
- 50% of companies plan to realign their business strategies in response to AI. (Speexx)
- 30% of businesses are redesigning key processes around AI. (Deloitte)
- 74% of leaders anticipate using AI to make decisions often in the next five years. (Deloitte)
- 28% of L&D leaders say AI technology adoption is a top priority in 2026. (Simitri Group)
- 62% of organisations are at least experimenting with AI agents. (McKinsey)
- By 2028, 40% of organisations are predicted to use AI to measure and influence employee moods and behaviours. (Gartner)
AI in learning and development (L&D)
AI in learning is an exciting, fast-moving area, and the stats back this up. While many of us are happily experimenting with AI and making some early investments, we’re all well aware there’s a long way to go before AI is fully woven into our learning programmes.
- 90% of L&D teams are at least experimenting with AI. (Donald H Taylor and Egle Vinauskaite)
- Creating learning content, learning design tasks and administrative tasks are the top 3 use cases for AI in learning. (Donald H Taylor and Egle Vinauskaite)
- Among early AI innovators, 58% are already applying generative AI in learning and development. (i4cp)
- Just 5% of surveyed companies have reached the ‘dynamic enablement’ learning maturity stage as an AI-focused L&D team. (Josh Bersin)
- 49% of L&D leaders expect AI to improve talent development outcomes this year. (Harvard Business Impact)
- 50% of L&D leaders expect AI to enhance the scalability of learning programmes. (Harvard Business Impact)
- 53% of L&D leaders expect AI to improve their adaptability. (Harvard Business Impact)
- 58% of leaders see promise in using AI-driven feedback loops to learn more about their workforce and to make more informed decisions. (Deloitte)
- 46% of business owners use AI to help craft internal comms messages. (Forbes)
Impact of AI on productivity, performance and business outcomes
AI is already having a big positive impact on businesses – both within L&D and across the wider organisation. So what are some of the main benefits of using AI at work?
- 85% of HR leaders say AI has improved decision making and operational efficiency. (Josh Bersin)
- Using AI to tailor learning paths leads to a 57% increase in learning efficiency. (Virtasant)
- The use of AI in HR is expected to boost workforce productivity by 35%. (IBM)
- 66% of UK enterprises are already experiencing significant AI‑driven productivity improvements. (IBM)
- AI-driven learning and HR solutions can boost training effectiveness by as much as 30%. (IBM)
- AI-powered learning personalisation can increase course completion rates by up to 40%. (TechClass)
- AI content generation and automation can reduce overall training costs by up to 20%. (TechClass)
- AI-enabled learning and productivity capabilities are projected to increase employee retention by 20%. (IBM)
- 70% of business leaders believe that AI enhances employee creativity. (Deloitte)
- 87% of executives expect revenue growth from generative AI within the next three years. (McKinsey)
Emerging behaviours in AI for workplace learning and performance
Unsurprisingly, the AI landscape is changing constantly. There are already signs that the way we’re using AI today isn’t exactly what we were expecting, and that’s very likely to continue over the coming months and years.
- Up to 58% of employees are ‘bringing their own AI tools’ to work, also known as ‘shadow AI’. (EY)
- 75% of employees admit to using unapproved AI tools at work. (Forbes)
- 66% of employees are personally paying for AI tools at work. (Forbes)
- 53% of workers say their productivity would drop without AI tools. (Forbes)
- 40% of Gen Z workers use AI to automate tasks without telling their managers. (Forbes)
- 69% of people say AI can help get them promoted faster. (Microsoft)
- 71% of employees say AI has had a positive impact on their job, including career opportunities and progression. (Workplace Journal)
