Beyond the Hype: The Real Impact of AI on Productivity, Creativity, and Workplace Culture
September 30, 2026 1:00 PM ET
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how work gets done, and HR leaders are at the center of navigating that shift. Drawing on two landmark SHRM studies surveying more than 5,800 U.S.-based workers, this webinar delivers a thorough look at where AI adoption really stands across organizations today. Only 41% of workers currently use AI on the job, yet AI-driven workplace restructuring is already underway — and workers are feeling it. We'll explore what AI is actually doing to productivity, job roles, and workplace culture, including why workers with higher AI aptitude save triple the time and are more committed to their organizations than lower-aptitude workers. We'll also examine the critical governance gaps putting organizations at risk and why building an open, trust-driven culture is just as important as deploying the right tools. Walk away with the strategic insight you need to lead your organization through your own transformation, confidently and deliberately.
SHRM Knowledge Advisors will join the live webinar to answer your questions in real time—right in the chat. If we don’t get to your question during the session? No problem, SHRM members can head to SHRM Connect after this webinar to keep the conversation going with advisors for 30 extra minutes. This benefit is only for members who join the live webinar and not included later on demand.
Meet the Presenters
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Cal Engstrom
Cal Engstrom is Senior Researcher of HR Technology at SHRM where he drives innovation for the thought leadership team. He leads a variety of research projects focusing on artificial intelligence, HR technology, robotics, total rewards, organizational benchmarking, and layoffs. Within his current role, he helps to direct SHRM’s Benefits research, investigates the widespread impacts of AI in the workplace, and analyzes the evolving HR Technology Marketplace. Beyond his traditional research duties, he serves as the primary programmer and specialist for Opus, SHRM’s robot employee. When he steps away from his professional work, Engstrom enjoys drinking chai, watching French New Wave cinema, and tinkering with electronics.
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Anna de Guzman
Anna de Guzman, M.A. is a Senior Researcher at SHRM. She designs and conducts research to support SHRM’s mission as it relates to work, workers, and the workplace. She holds an M.A. in Research Methods and Statistics from the University of Denver and has over 17 years of experience in workforce research and program evaluation.
SHRM certification has approved this webinar for 1 PDC toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. A program code will be provided at the end of the webinar.