HR's AI Revolution: 53% of Professionals Already Using Technology for Better Productivity

211,000

The number of new jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 211,000, the lowest level in eight months, signaling a strong labor market. Continuing claims dropped by 52,000 to 1.844 million. Despite some volatility, the claims data suggests steady labor market conditions. Meanwhile, construction spending remained unchanged in November. The four-week moving average of claims also declined by 3,500 to 223,250. This positive employment data supports the Federal Reserve's projections for fewer interest rate cuts this year.

83%

A recent survey conducted by HR Brew reveals that HR professionals are increasingly adopting AI, with 53% currently using it in their work, and 51% expressing satisfaction. AI is mainly employed to boost employee engagement (83%), streamline talent acquisition (39%), and enhance learning and development (32%). Most HR pros (90%) use AI to improve productivity by automating mundane tasks, and 35% are interested in adopting more AI tech in the future.

4.2%

The U.S. unemployment rate is currently 4.2%, slightly higher than last year’s historic low of 3.4%. Economists predict it may rise to 4.3% - 4.4% in 2025, with some forecasting it could peak before declining. Goldman Sachs is more optimistic, expecting the rate to fall to 3.9% by the end of 2025. Key risks include potential tariffs under the new administration, though strong consumer spending continues to bolster the economy.

$80B

Microsoft plans to spend $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on AI-capable data centers, with over half of the investment in the U.S. Its capital expenditures for Q1 totaled $20 billion, and analysts expect a 42% year-over-year growth in spending. Azure and cloud services revenue grew 33%, with AI contributing 12 points. Microsoft's Vice Chair Brad Smith emphasized the need for U.S. leadership in AI amid global competition.

52%

In Singapore, 52% of workers use AI in their jobs, but 45% feel uncomfortable admitting it to managers, fearing they might be seen as "incompetent" or "lazy," according to Slack's Workforce Index. AI-related job postings in Singapore increased 4.6x from September 2023 to September 2024, and 88% of employees want to improve their AI skills, though 63% have spent less than five hours learning it. Clear training and AI guidelines can boost adoption, as globally, workers with guidance saw a 13-point higher usage rate.