Every organization is at a different point in their AI journey — and that’s exactly as it should be. Brandon Hall Group’s groundbreaking new research with 600 HR professionals worldwide reveals five distinct phases of AI progression in HR, providing a clear framework to understand where you are today and how to advance strategically toward your goals.
Introducing the AI Progression Model for Empowering HR Excellence
Our comprehensive new framework doesn’t judge where organizations currently stand — it illuminates the path forward. Whether you’re building foundational capabilities or pioneering industry innovations, this model provides the insights and roadmap you need to take the next step in your AI transformation.
Understanding the Five Phases of AI Maturity
Our research reveals organizations naturally progress through five phases, each building essential capabilities for the next:
Phase 1 — Reactive/Ad Hoc (21%): Building awareness and exploring initial AI applications while managing current operations
Phase 2 — Standardized (25%): Establishing structured processes and launching pilot programs that demonstrate AI’s potential value
Phase 3 — Defined/Strategic (25%): Achieving strategic alignment where AI powers data-driven decisions and proactive planning. Key insight: Organizations reaching this phase report universal success with their AI initiatives.
Phase 4 — Managed/Transformational (13%): Leveraging advanced AI integration to create competitive advantages through sophisticated human-AI collaboration.
Phase 5 — Optimized HR Excellence (16%): Leading industry transformation through continuous innovation and setting benchmarks for others to follow.
Every Phase Has Its Purpose
“What we’re seeing is not a race, but a journey where each phase builds critical foundations for sustainable success,” explains Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer at Brandon Hall Group™. “The model shows that success isn’t about implementing the most advanced AI technologies; it’s about a a systemic adoption of AI in an organization and making AI endemic to its culture to enable human-AI collaboration to flourish. “Every organization can advance when they understand their current position and next steps.”
Real-World Success Stories at Every Stage
“We’re privileged to lead hundreds of HR organizations globally on their AI transformation journeys, and this work crystallizes what we’ve been observing in our field research and Brandon Hall Group™️ award winning case study analyses,” shares Mike Cooke, CEO of Brandon Hall Group™. “Whether it’s helping a Fortune 500 company move from reactive to strategic AI use in HR, or guiding emerging enterprises to leapfrog progression phases, we’ve seen firsthand how the right AI strategy leads to success. Our clients consistently tell us that understanding their current AI readiness phase and having a clear roadmap transforms AI from a daunting challenge into an opportunity to deliver breakthrough results and reach the pinnacle of HR excellence.”
See the Model Explained in Detail
Get an in-depth understanding of each phase and learn how organizations successfully advance through our exclusive webinar recording:
Your Personalized Advancement Guide
The complimentary AI in HR Research Report provides everything you need to assess your current phase and plan your advancement:
- Detailed characteristics and capabilities at each maturity phase
- Technology evolution pathways for Machine Learning, Generative AI, RAG, and Agentic AI
- Skills development roadmaps for your team
- Process transformation opportunities across all HR functions
- Proven success factors for advancing between phases
- Practical recommendations tailored to your current position
Download Your Free Research Report
Accelerate Your Journey with the Complete Playbook
For organizations ready to fast-track their advancement, Brandon Hall Group Institute members receive exclusive access to The HR Leader’s Guide to AI Transformation – a 113-page strategic playbook featuring:
- Step-by-step implementation frameworks for each phase transition
- Detailed governance templates and assessment tools
- ROI calculation models to build your business case
- Change management strategies proven across industries
- Technology selection criteria and vendor evaluation guides
- 100+ practical examples of successful implementations
Learn more about Institute membership
Connect with Peers on the Same Journey
Join us for an intensive 1.5-day summit where HR, Learning, and Talent leaders share practical strategies for AI advancement.
The Transformational Impact of AI on HR, Learning and Talent
October 16-17, 2025 | Boca Raton, FL
This working summit brings together organizations at all maturity phases to:
- Share real-world implementation experiences and lessons learned.
- Explore frameworks for building human-digital workforces.
- Learn prioritization strategies for AI use cases.
- Develop your organization’s AI advancement roadmap.
- Network with peers navigating similar transformation journeys.
Featured speakers include AI transformation leaders from Accenture, Capgemini, TELUS, TTEC, and other pioneering organizations.
Registration:
- BHG Members: FREE
- Standard Registration: $649
Register for the AI Summit
Begin Your Advancement Today
Wherever you are in your AI journey, you’re exactly where you need to be. What matters is taking the next step forward with confidence and clarity. The AI Progression Model provides the framework, insights, and practical guidance to help you advance at the right pace for your organization.
Download the research report to:
- Understand your current phase and its strengths.
- Identify your next advancement opportunities.
- Access proven strategies for successful progression.
- Build confidence in your AI transformation journey.
