AI trust remains low in hiring decisions – study

Human resources (HR) leaders in the Philippines have low trust in artificial intelligence (AI) for hiring decisions but utilize the technology to streamline other recruitment tasks, according to global talent firm Robert Walters.

In a statement, the firm said that only 28% of HR leaders expressed confidence in using AI in final hiring decisions, despite the increasing integration of the technology into the workforce function.

“The real value of AI lies in augmenting, not replacing, the expertise of human recruiters and HR managers,” Robert Walters Southeast Asia Chief Executive Officer Kimberlyn Lu said in a statement on Monday.

“AI is reshaping the HR landscape by automating routine, high-volume tasks,” she added.

While confidence in talent acquisition decisions remains low, other leaders have seen AI’s primary value in automation and data processing.

The report found that 45% of large organizations use AI for candidate screening, scheduling interviews, and generating job descriptions.

Some 65% likewise plan to invest in AI and automation technologies to support HR functions over the next two years.

“AI is reshaping the HR landscape by automating routine, high-volume tasks,” Ms. Lu said. “This shift allows HR professionals to focus on strategic human-centric activities, such as employee engagement, change management, and high-level negotiations.”

“Companies are taking a deliberate, measured approach to ensure these tools integrate effectively and ethically within their existing talent frameworks,” she added.

The firm noted that companies are optimizing AI tools to handle high-volume tasks that align with their operational needs, while firmly prioritizing human supervision for critical decisions.

“While the initial phase of AI adoption focuses on automating routine tasks, the real work lies in strategic evaluation,” said Ms. Lu.

As AI integration increases in the recruitment process, employers underscore its limitations that would require human intervention.

The report said that 30% of employers are concerned that AI could perpetuate unfair conclusions due to algorithmic bias, and 23% said they understand that AI can still make errors despite its ability to analyze vast amounts of data.

48% have also raised concerns about how AI might compromise data confidentiality.

“Moving forward, the Philippine HR sector must remain highly intentional,” the firm said. “This rising trend also advents the demand for skilled professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in AI.”

In the London-based Capital Economics’ February 2026 report, the Philippines ranked 43rd out of 47 countries in its AI Economic Impact Index.

Among ASEAN nations, the Philippines ranked lowest in harnessing AI, followed by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. — Almira Louise S. Martinez