In Germany, 86% of HR managers have concerns about their company using artificial intelligence (AI), according to the Randstad ifo (Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich) personnel manager survey.

The reason given most frequently (62%) by HR managers for the concerns is a lack of expertise in that area. Legal aspects are a concern for 48%, while 34% cite a lack of trust in AI. One-fourth say that a lack of acceptance is impeding the use of AI, and 22% believe that AI adds no apparent value. A total of 19% take a critical view of the effort required to roll out AI, and 18% are unhappy about the cost.

Meanwhile, approximately 5% of the companies surveyed currently use AI in their HR departments, and a further 25% plan to do so in the future.

“Personnel managers see opportunities for using AI in recruitment, applicant management, and automating HR processes,” said ifo researcher Johanna Garnitz.

A total of 18% of the companies surveyed use AI, and a further 35% plan to do so in the future.

“The companies surveyed tend to attach little importance to the influence of artificial intelligence on personnel planning,” Garnitz said.

Most companies (84%) expect AI to have zero impact on personnel planning over the next five years. At the same time, 13% predict that AI will lead to a drop in employee numbers within the same time frame. This view is particularly widespread in trade (17%), followed by manufacturing (15%) and the service sector (9%).