Artificial intelligence recruitment and algorithmic management of work have been prominently featured in public debate, and artificial intelligence has been discussed as a new wielder of power in work-related matters. The results of a survey sent to companies by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health provide a more moderate overview of the situation. Although artificial intelligence has rapidly become commonplace, its use is still experimental in many companies. For example, in personnel decisions, artificial intelligence remains the exception, not the rule.
"Companies seem to be moving forward in the use of artificial intelligence in stages. Use will start with those activities where the benefits are easiest to achieve and the risks are minimal," says Tuomo Alasoini, Research Professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Artificial intelligence is not very visible in recruitment so far
According to the survey, 51 per cent of Finnish companies employing at least 10 people use artificial intelligence. The majority of these companies also use generative artificial intelligence, such as applications like ChatGPT.
Artificial intelligence is most commonly used in large companies and service industries. It is used in particular to develop sales, marketing and communications (35% of companies).
Artificial intelligence is also quite commonly used to improve leadership and decision-making (20% of companies). However, artificial intelligence is used much less often in actual management tasks: it is used for organising tasks by 10 per cent of companies, for monitoring work performance by 6 per cent and for assessment of personnel by 3 per cent.
Recruitment has also largely remained in the hands of people. According to the survey, only 8 per cent of companies use artificial intelligence in recruitment. This may be due to ethical issues and regulations that make implementation more demanding.
"The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Regulation classifies recruitment and employee management as high-risk use. This increases the requirements for deployment and may help explain companies' cautious approach," Alasoini says.
There are more experiments than training and strategy
In many companies, the use of artificial intelligence is only in the pilot phase, and there is little evidence of a systematic approach in strategy and training, for example. According to the survey, 17 per cent of companies using artificial intelligence have a separate artificial intelligence strategy. Less than half (49%) of companies using generative artificial intelligence have trained their personnel in the use of AI.
"Companies encourage employees to try generative artificial intelligence, but do not train them in its use. This raises the question of whether the personnel are sufficiently prepared to use artificial intelligence effectively and responsibly," says Teppo Valtonen, Development Manager at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
A lack of strategic guidance can lead to the opportunities that artificial intelligence offers not being fully utilised or to its use remaining disjointed and not being linked to other company operations.
"The adoption of artificial intelligence is not only a technical change but also a social and cultural one. If there are no common ground rules and secure tools in place, there is a risk that the use of artificial intelligence will be hidden and remain outside the company’s control," Valtonen points out.
Read the report here
- Report (in Finnish): Tekoälyn hyödyntäminen yrityksissä 2025: Tuloksia Digivihreä siirtymä ja työ -yrityskyselystä
Information about the study
- Data: A survey sent to companies regarding the twin (digital and green) transition and work by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health’s company survey, carried out in cooperation with Statistics Finland in March – July 2025. The survey was completed by 1,691 companies (response rate 38.0%) and was targeted at companies employing at least 10 people in different industries.
- Project page: Artificial Intelligence in Knowledge Work - information, solutions and visions and Understanding and supporting the digital and green transition as part of well-being at work
- Funded by: The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and the Finnish Work Environment Fund
Further information
- Tuomo Alasoini, Research Professor, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tuomo.alasoini [at] ttl.fi (tuomo[dot]alasoini[at]ttl[dot]fi), +35850 564 6140
- Teppo Valtonen, Development Manager, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, teppo.valtonen [at] ttl.fi (teppo[dot]valtonen[at]ttl[dot]fi), +35846 851 6139
