Nearly three in four Hong Kong employers allowing AI at work – report

New findings show AI training is a priority for organisations

Nearly three in four Hong Kong employers allowing AI at work – report

Nearly three in four employers in Hong Kong are allowing employees to use artificial intelligence at work, with AI training rising among employers' priorities, according to a new report.

Findings from the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) revealed that 73% of companies permit AI use at work.

This growing implementation of AI in workplaces has led to more employers considering training for it as a priority, according to the report.

It found that mastering generative AI has risen from the eighth to the fifth priority of organisations when it comes to learning and development priorities this year.

Their other key areas of focus include leadership development, bridging skills gaps, succession planning, and personalising learning programmes.

"The importance of AI training is increasingly recognised, with businesses and organisations looking to enhance employee skills, efficiency, and adaptability," said Dr Chester Tsang, HKIHRM's Executive Council member and Co-chairperson of the Learning and Development Committee, in a statement.

"AI training is not only a tool for improving operational efficiency but also a cornerstone for future organisational development. We must recognise how AI technology will influence our work patterns and employee capabilities."

Employee training in Hong Kong

The findings come as more employees pursue training in Hong Kong.

The average annual training hours per employee rose to 18.1 hours in 2024, up from 17.3 hours in 2023.

Nearly half of companies said they provided up to 10 hours of training on average. Others said they provided:

  • An additional 10 hours (20%)
  • More than 20 hours of training (34%)

Nine in 10 employers offered online learning resources, with 76% of companies with digital learning tools utilising webinars or virtual classrooms for employee training.

"As industry environments continue to change, online learning has become an important trend in corporate training, allowing employees to learn and upgrade their skills autonomously, thereby enhancing flexibility and efficiency," said Charles Ho, Co-chairperson of HKIHRM Learning and Development Committee, in a statement.

"Of course, in-person training remains invaluable, particularly for courses requiring high interaction and immediate feedback, effectively promoting participant engagement and practical experience."

Meanwhile, the report also found that training budgets are expected to remain stable this year, with 59% of companies saying that their investment would remain at 2024 levels.

Only 17% plan to increase their budgets, slightly lower than the 19% a year ago.

"Despite the uncertainties in the economic outlook for Hong Kong, companies continue to prioritise employee training and development," Tsang said.