78% of Michigan employers are currently using AI in HR or Planning to in the Next Year
Media Contact: Heather Nezich, Manager, Communications, hnezich@aseonline.org | 248-223-8040
TROY, MI – October 21, 2026 – Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday HR operations, but many Michigan employers are still working to establish the policies, training, and oversight needed to use it effectively. According to the American Society of Employers' (ASE) AI in HR Pulse Survey, 78% of Michigan employers are currently using AI in HR or plan to within the next year, up from just 24% in 2024.
The survey of 109 Michigan employers reveals a significant shift in AI adoption over the past two years. However, while organizations are increasingly embracing AI, much of its use remains informal, raising concerns about data privacy, accuracy, compliance, and employee readiness.
"AI adoption has accelerated dramatically, and employers are recognizing its potential to improve efficiency and support HR operations," said Mary E. Corrado, President & CEO of ASE. "But implementing AI tools is only part of the equation. Organizations need clear policies, employee training, and human oversight to ensure these technologies are being used responsibly and delivering meaningful value."
AI Adoption Accelerates Across Organizations of All Sizes
The survey found that AI adoption is growing across organizations of all sizes. Among organizations with fewer than 100 employees, 63% are using AI in HR or plan to within the next year. That number increases to 85% for employers with 100 to 500 employees and 100% among organizations with more than 500 employees.
Despite this widespread adoption, only 4% of respondents report that AI use is mostly integrated into formal business processes. Another 48% describe AI use as mostly informal, while 43% report a combination of formal and informal use.
Recruiting and HR Content Development Lead AI Use
Employers are finding the greatest opportunities for AI in administrative and communication-related HR functions. The survey found that 83% of respondents report individual AI use for drafting HR content, while 54% use AI in recruitment and talent acquisition through either integrated systems or individual applications.
Other areas seeing AI activity include training and development, predictive analytics, performance management, and employee questions and HR service.
Employers are beginning to see measurable benefits from AI. Among survey respondents:
- 64% report time savings.
- 32% report better data to support decision-making.
- 8% report cost reductions.
- 8% report improvements in employee experience.
- 21% have not yet seen measurable results.
AI Governance and Employee Training Lag Behind Adoption
While AI use is expanding, employer policies and employee training have not kept pace. Just 53% of respondents have a written policy governing employee AI use, although another 24% are currently developing one.
Additionally, only 19% of employers are very confident that employees are using only approved AI tools when working with company data.
Data privacy and security remain the leading concerns, cited by 72% of respondents, followed by reliability and accuracy (68%), legal and regulatory compliance (58%), and bias and fairness (57%).
Only 15% of employers provide formal, required AI training, while 20% offer optional training. More than one-third (34%) provide no AI training at all.
Human Oversight Remains a Priority
Despite growing AI adoption, employers are maintaining a cautious approach to using AI for employment decisions. Among organizations that use AI to assist with these decisions, 86% always require human review.
The survey also suggests that AI is not expected to result in widespread workforce reductions. When asked about AI's anticipated impact on headcount over the next three years, 57% of employers expect no change, while 17% anticipate a slight decrease. Another 22% remain uncertain.
About the Survey
The AI in HR Pulse Survey collected responses from 109 Michigan employers. Respondents represented organizations of varying sizes, with 39% employing fewer than 100 people, 48% employing 100 to 500, and 13% employing more than 500 employees. The survey examines AI adoption, applications, governance, risks, and future plans, with comparisons to ASE's 2024 survey.
The full report is available in the ASE Survey Library for ASE members; non-members can request a complimentary report here.
About ASE
ASE is employers trusted partner for Everything HR. ASE is a non-profit, membership organization – everything we do is based on the needs of members and to drive the success of their organizations and help them THRIVE. ASE strengthens organization's HR departments by offering member benefits and discounted services that span the entire employee lifecycle including recruitment, development, and retention while minimizing compliance risk. We provide our members guidance through new legislation and workplace issues. ASE has offices throughout Michigan in Grand Rapids, Macomb, Muskegon, Novi, and Troy. Learn more about ASE at www.aseonline.org.