Eight in 10 AI tools at work — more than any other sector.
While Canadian workplaces are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI), most employees—especially in human resources—are using these tools without proper training, and many are concerned about the future of their jobs.
That’s according to a new report that shows HR professionals are at the forefront of AI adoption in Canada, with 81% reporting they use AI tools at work—more than any other sector.
Notably, 33% of HR professionals have received formal AI training, the highest rate among all professions surveyed.
Other sectors with higher-than-average AI use include finance, communications/marketing/advertising, and non-profit. Digital technology professionals are the most confident in their AI skills (56%), followed by non-profit (40%), and government and communications/marketing professionals (38% each).
In contrast, sectors like healthcare (29%), retail (25%), and manufacturing (31%) lag in AI adoption, often due to internal policies or outright refusal, finds the survey from Growclass and Angus Reid.
Anxiety about AI
Despite this, HR workers are also the most anxious about the impact of AI on their careers: 62% say they are concerned AI could replace their roles within the next five years.
This anxiety is echoed across the workforce, with more than one in four Canadians (26%) expressing worry that AI could make their jobs obsolete in the near future, finds the survey of 1,012 adult Canadians
Women are particularly concerned, with 29% fearing job loss due to AI, compared to 22% of men.
Confidence and training gaps persist
While 42% of Canadians are currently using AI tools in their jobs, only 12% have received formal training. Among those using AI, just 33% feel confident in their ability to use these tools effectively.
The confidence gap is also gendered: 36% of men feel confident using AI at work, compared to 30% of women.
“AI is already central to how we work, but without proper training, it risks leaving people behind, particularly for women and underrepresented communities,” says Sarah Stockdale, CEO and founder of Growclass.
Who should train workers on AI?
The survey highlights a strong appetite for upskilling, with 68% of Canadians expressing interest in AI training if offered by their employer. Nearly half (46%) believe it is the employer’s responsibility to provide this training, while 20% see it as their own responsibility, finds the survey.
Only small minorities look to education systems (7%) or government (4%) for AI training.
Among those not interested in employer-provided AI training, the main reasons cited were lack of trust or fear of bias in AI results (68%), concerns about decreased critical thinking (67%), ethical or privacy issues (61%), and the cost of tools (13%).
The report warns: “Without a stronger focus on AI literacy, training, and trust building, Canada, alongside its most vulnerable populations, risks falling behind—not just in technology, but in global competitiveness.”
