Artificial intelligence has moved from novelty to operational practice in payroll and HR functions. The BrightPay Payroll Professionals Survey 2026, based on data from 296 practitioners in the UK and Ireland, finds that 56% now use AI on at least an occasional basis, with a further 24% expressing a desire to adopt. For hr leadership teams managing payroll and people operations, the shift is under way: the question is whether organisations are investing in the capability to sustain it.

The findings present a clear opportunity for people management and payroll leaders in Ireland and the UK. AI adoption in HR functions is accelerating, and organisations that invest in structured learning will capture a measurable productivity advantage. Three priorities emerge: building AI training programmes for payroll and HR teams, extending AI into compliance and analysis, and using Ireland’s AI maturity as a talent management advantage.

The uses of AI already deployed are telling. Among current users, 66% apply it to drafting emails and communications, and 59% to examining statutory rules or revenue guidelines, freeing time from routine administration. Both are directly relevant to Irish payroll and HR professionals navigating Revenue requirements, auto-enrolment pension administration, and EU Pay Transparency Directive implementation. AI is not replacing payroll expertise; it is amplifying it.

The demand for training is the most important signal. Some 70% would welcome additional AI training to integrate the technology more effectively into their roles. Only 18% have no intention of adopting AI, citing scepticism about current platforms. That scepticism is a training and communication challenge: organisations that invest in role-specific development will accelerate progress among current users and convert those not yet participating.

Ireland stands out as a strong context for this opportunity. Indeed Hiring Lab data covering 80,000 workers across eight countries shows 70% of Irish workers use AI in their job, the highest rate in the survey and ahead of the UK at 41%. Around half of Irish AI users report saving three or more hours per day. The employee experience of AI in Ireland is among the most positive in any comparable market.

Three actions will allow HR leaders to build on these findings. First, design role-specific AI training for payroll and people operations teams, starting with tools delivering measurable value. Second, develop clear AI use policies to address the scepticism of the 18% not yet adopting. Third, incorporate AI capability into employer branding and talent attraction, positioning the organisation as a forward-thinking environment for HR professionals.

BrightPay’s research gives Irish HR and payroll leaders a timely signal. The majority of practitioners are already moving in the right direction. Organisations that provide the training, governance, and encouragement to sustain that momentum will build a lasting capability advantage.