CEO technology concerns lie at the intersection of three major business pressures: aggressive growth plans, ongoing talent shortages, and the adoption of AI. According to Vistage, a CEO coaching and peer advisory organization, these issues were highlighted in its Q4 2025 CEO Confidence Index survey of 1,202 business leaders.
While 76% of CEOs report personally using generative AI, adoption drops to 54% for specific teams or functional areas and 53% for independent employee use, according to the index. This may concern C-suite leaders who have hung their hats on AI integration and technology adaptation as a top business priority.
Nearly one in four CEOs reported experiencing a cyberattack or threat in the past year, with 4% suffering lost or compromised data and 19% experiencing incidents without data loss. Yet 76% have documented cyber risk strategies reviewed at least annually, suggesting the gap isn’t in planning but in execution.
This is where HR enters the frame. Technology systems are only as secure as the people using them, and with 57% of CEOs planning workforce expansion over the next 12 months (up from 48% in Q3), organizations will be onboarding significant numbers of new employees who need security training from day one.
Technology investment meets talent constraints
With hiring, staffing and retention cited by 22% of leaders as their top business challenge, companies are investing heavily in technology while struggling to find the talent needed to implement and fully leverage it.
According to the index, technology and software rank as the second-highest investment priority for 2026, while technology and AI investments are the third-highest business decision priority.
Expanding the workforce internationally offers a partial solution. Among CEOs utilizing employees or contractors outside the U.S., 39% report this practice has increased over the past five years. Technology enables this global talent strategy, but it also requires HR to build new infrastructure for compliance, collaboration and cultural integration across borders.
HR tech in the news
Catch up on the latest news and trends driving the HR tech field, from leadership changes and platform innovations to new research on workforce readiness.
Leadership moves and recognition
Skillsoft named Bernard Barbour chief technology and product officer, tasking him with advancing the company’s platform innovation and AI-driven learning strategy. Barbour brings deep experience in scaling technology organizations and delivering data-driven, learner-centric solutions.
Insurance provider Cowbell announced Simon Hughes as chief commercial officer, where he will lead global commercial strategy, distribution, partnerships and international expansion. Hughes brings experience in scaling insurance operations and strengthening market presence across regions.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. appointed Christine Hale, M.D., as its first chief medical officer for U.S. benefits. Hale will guide clinical strategy to help employers manage healthcare costs, improve care quality and enhance workforce wellbeing across Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting division.
Bentley Motors was named a UK Top Employer by the Top Employers organization, reflecting sustained investment in technology-led learning, EV capability building and future-ready skills.
Product launches and platform updates
WIN announced an enhanced Preconception Program that fills a gap in traditional fertility benefits. The program aims to deliver clinically guided care to optimize reproductive health, help partners conceive faster, improve outcomes, lower costs and generate measurable ROI for employers.
DianaHR unveiled its Agentic Onboarding system, capable of executing end-to-end employee onboarding. The system is designed to autonomously move new hires from offer acceptance to payroll with minimal human intervention.
HireClix launched Quick Apply, a career site enhancement that lets candidates apply directly without logins or forms. The functionality passes candidate data into the ATS, helping employers convert high-intent applicants faster.
M&A and investments
Fintech Payoneer announced the acquisition of Boundless, an Ireland-based Employer of Record platform, expanding its cross-border workforce capabilities. The move advances Payoneer’s strategy to deliver a financial stack for SMBs.
Workday announced plans to invest CAD $1 billion in Canada over five years, reinforcing its commitment to enterprise AI innovation. The investment will support local tech talent development, expand customer support and deepen community engagement, strengthening Workday’s long-term presence in the Canadian market.
Vensure Employer Solutions acquired Distro, an AI-powered recruiting platform. Distro uses intelligent automation and AI-led screening to streamline high-volume hiring, deliver candidate insights and improve fairness by ensuring every applicant receives a consistent interview experience.
HR tech events and research
Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College and the National Association of Corporate Directors launched the Effective AI Oversight for Directors Certificate Program, equipping corporate board members with practical frameworks, governance tools and strategic insight to oversee AI risk, ethics and enterprise adoption.
The Future Talent Forum Mexico will convene leaders Feb. 4-5 at Universidad de la Libertad to explore workforce transformation, leadership and skills for the future. The event brings global perspectives on talent, technology and organizational readiness for 2026 and beyond.
G-P’s 2026 Workforce Predictions examines how global hiring, AI adoption, compliance and shifting employee expectations will reshape work. The report offers guidance for leaders navigating distributed teams, talent shortages and evolving employment models worldwide.
More from HR Executive
The 2026 edition of HR Executive’s What’s Keeping HR Up at Night? explores the top challenges facing HR leaders, including AI disruption, talent retention, compliance complexity and workforce wellbeing, offering insights into how organizations are preparing for the year ahead. Get your copy.
HR Tech Europe brings senior HR leaders together to develop impactful tech strategies and drive transformation. Confirmed keynoters include Pandora CHRO Byron Clayton and Josh Bersin. Registration is now open for April’s premier event on HR innovation and cutting-edge technology.
New research from the Adecco Group shows 37% of workers globally now meet future-ready criteria in 2025, up from just 11% in 2024. The survey of 37,500 workers across 31 countries suggests reskilling efforts are gaining traction.
