Although 75 percent of large Canadian companies and 61 percent of mid-sized companies consider artificial intelligence (AI) necessary to be competitive, only 13 percent and five percent, respectively, have prioritized hiring for AI skills, according to ADP Canada’s new report.
In a news release, ADP emphasized that this gap represented an opportunity for Canadian businesses to focus on developing AI skills within their workforce.
According to the Canada Workplace Trends for 2026 report, among Canadian businesses surveyed:
- 80 percent believed they should prioritize keeping humans in the loop when utilizing AI
- 64 percent said they should prioritize cultivating a sense of trust when using AI
- 46 percent considered the ethical management of AI systems a priority
- Only 22 percent had an AI ethics policy
- 47 percent thought AI could assist with skills development
- 40 percent said AI could help with onboarding and offboarding employees
- 38 percent believed AI could assist with attracting and retaining employees
- Only 21 percent used AI for compliance tasks, 51 percent of whom expressed strong trust in AI accuracy
- Only 10 percent of those not utilizing AI for compliance tasks had plans to do so
“Canadian organizations face unique workforce challenges as they navigate both technological transformation and evolving employee expectations,” said Jim Lord, ADP Canada’s president, in the news release.
“From managing new legislative and regulatory AI disclosure requirements, to the need for increased skills development, employers are at a pivotal moment as they balance increased innovation with human-centered practices,” Lord added.
Other findings
According to ADP, among Canadian employers polled:
- 46 percent rated their onboarding as highly efficient
- 43 percent considered their hiring processes highly efficient
- More than half had no confidence in capturing valuable employee feedback and understanding employee sentiment through accessing data
- 87 percent thought they were responsible for supporting workers’ mental well-being
- 46 percent offered mental health benefits, with the associated costs reported as the most significant barrier
The survey’s respondents prioritized the following skills among new hires: strong work ethic, detail orientation, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork. Regarding challenges, the poll revealed that:
- The following skills were the most difficult to find among new hires: strong work ethic, detail orientation, time management, leadership skills, and critical thinking
- The following were the main challenges in managing a multi-generational workforce: differences in work ethic and commitment, recruiting and retention difficulties, intergenerational respect, work-life balance expectations, and technology adoption and literacy
- The top compliance challenges were data privacy, paid leave, payroll tax requirements, pay transparency, and overtime requirements
According to ADP, to navigate their compliance tasks, Canadian businesses have relied on their lawyers, HR or payroll providers, government websites, and accountants for their specialized knowledge.