HR Leaders Cite AI Benefits But Say Skills Gaps Are a Barrier to Effective Use, According to Capterra

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 17, 2025--

As organizations worldwide grapple with economic uncertainty, skills shortages, and the rapid adoption of AI, Capterra’s latest research reveals how HR leaders are adapting and how they are leveraging technology to transform talent management.

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Capterra’s 2025 HR Software Trends Survey of over 3,200 HR professionals in 11 countries points to four key areas where HR leaders are investing and innovating, offering a practical guide for organizations seeking to futureproof their workforce.

1. HR Leans on AI as Recruiting Costs Rise

Forty-four percent of HR leaders say hiring skilled professionals is one of their top challenges this year, and 59% expect recruiting costs to rise. To address these challenges, organizations are turning to AI-driven recruiting solutions, which can help automate routine tasks, improve candidate matching, and enhance the overall candidate experience. In fact, 49% of organizations currently using AI features in their HR software cite improved recruiting outcomes among the most significant benefits of using this technology.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of HR leaders expect to grow their workforce in the coming year. Yet, only 42% currently rate recruiting software as a critical business need, despite being one of the top challenges for organizations. This highlights a significant opportunity for companies to leverage advanced tools for smarter, more efficient hiring.

2. AI and Software Skills Gaps Prompt Urgent Focus on Training

Nearly half (45%) of HR leaders cite training and upskilling current employees as their main operational challenge for the next 12 months. And, it’s made more difficult as 68% also expect upskilling costs to increase.

Effective software integration and skilled staff are crucial as companies juggle multiple systems, averaging four HR tools each. Training new users on HR software is the main software-related concern for 48% of HR leaders. Additionally, 43% point to insufficient AI skills on staff as a barrier when adopting AI technology. The survey suggests that investing in talent analytics, learning management, and integrated HR systems can help organizations close skills gaps and drive productivity.

3. AI-Powered HR Tech Leads to Greater Employee Satisfaction

Employee engagement remains a top priority, as 36% of HR leaders cite retaining talent as a challenge this year. The survey finds that, despite being commonly perceived as a deterrent to authentic human connection, AI features can enhance the employee experience. Notably, 43% of HR software users leveraging AI features report increased employee satisfaction or engagement, compared to just 27% of those not using AI. Similarly, 39% of AI users see improved retention, versus 25% of non-users.

4. Despite AI's Benefits, HR Leaders Express Concern with Risks

As AI becomes more embedded in HR processes, 46% of HR leaders are concerned with assessing AI’s value and risks. Aside from having skilled staff, the main concerns regarding AI are obtaining quality data, AI literacy, and addressing privacy issues.

Security remains paramount: 67% consider it a critical feature when selecting HR software, and 43% report that security concerns triggered HR purchases last year. The findings highlight the need for robust data management, privacy safeguards, and clear policies to ensure compliance and protect sensitive information.

“As workforce needs evolve, adopting the right HR technology is only the first step,” says Bruno Peláez, senior analyst at Capterra. “Success depends on organizations keeping people at the center of every technology decision, building AI skills to futureproof their workforce, and implementing strategies to engage and retain them.”

For more insights, read the full report and visit Capterra.com to compare software products on the Capterra Shortlist.

About Capterra

Capterra is the #1 B2B marketplace for organizations to find the right software and services. Our platform connects buyers to over 2 million verified user reviews about products and services spanning 1,000 categories and offers actionable, objective insights and recommendations to help them find the best product or service for their specific business needs.

According to Capterra's 2025 HR Software Trends Survey, 43% of HR leaders cite insufficient AI skills on staff as a barrier when adopting HR software with AI features.

PARIS (AP) — A Paris court is to rule on Monday in a case involving 10 people accused of cyberbullying French first lady Brigitte Macron by spreading false online claims about her gender and sexuality, allegations her daughter said damaged her health and family life.

The defendants, eight men and two women aged 41 to 60, are accused of posting “numerous malicious comments” falsely claiming that President Emmanuel Macron ’s wife was born a man and linking the 24-year age gap with her husband to pedophilia. Some of the posts were viewed tens of thousands of times.

Brigitte Macron did not attend the two-day trial in October.

Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified about what she described as the “deterioration” of her mother’s life since the online harassment intensified. “She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her,” Auzière told the court. She said the impact has extended to the entire family, including Macron’s grandchildren.

Defendant Delphine Jegousse, 51, who is known as Amandine Roy and describes herself as a medium and an author, is considered as having played a major role in spreading the rumor after she released a four-hour video on her YouTube channel in 2021.

The X account of Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, 41, known as Zoé Sagan on social media, was suspended in 2024 after his name was cited in several judicial investigations.

Other defendants include an elected official, a teacher and a computer scientist. Several told the court their comments were intended as humor or satire and said they did not understand why they were being prosecuted. They face up to two years in prison if convicted.

The case follows years of conspiracy theories falsely alleging that Brigitte Macron was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually the name of her brother. The Macrons have also filed a defamation suit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens.

The Macrons, who have been married since 2007, first met at the high school where he was a student and she was a teacher. Brigitte Macron, 24 years her husband’s senior, was then called Brigitte Auzière, a married mother of three.

Emmanuel Macron, 48, has been France’s president since 2017.

FILE - French President's wife Brigitte Macron arrives ahead of the ceremony outside "La Belle Equipe" bar, Thursday Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris as part of ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks. (Ludovic Marin, Pool photo via AP, File)