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PERSOL Work Switch Consulting's 2025 AI and RPA Adoption Survey

PERSOL Work Switch Consulting, part of the PERSOL Group which promotes the vision of "Working Together, Smiling Together," has released findings from their recent survey titled "2025 AI and RPA Adoption Survey". This comprehensive study aimed to examine the current state and challenges of AI and RPA utilization among Japanese enterprises.

The results indicate that approximately 90% of businesses have either implemented or are considering the adoption of AI and RPA technologies. While this demonstrates a strong commitment to embracing new technologies, the survey also highlights a concerning trend: companies tend to focus predominantly on tool acquisition, neglecting vital investments in “human resource development” and “guideline establishment” necessary for successful integration.

PERSOL Work Switch Consulting prides itself on being a team of experts who provide consulting in both human resources and technology. They emphasize that merely introducing tools is insufficient; genuine productivity enhancement necessitates transformations in organizational culture and workforce dynamics.

Insights from Technology Consulting Head

Kota Kumakura, Director of the Technology Consulting Division at PERSOL, noted, “More than 90% of companies are now engaged in AI and RPA initiatives, showing that a significant number have taken their first steps toward business reform through AI.” The survey revealed that while there is substantial optimism regarding the capability of AI agents to autonomously carry out processes, there is a stark reality: investments in the “human” aspect required for effective AI utilization often take a backseat.

Kumakura elaborates, "AI is not a magic wand; it is a tool designed to assist in operations. To unlock its true potential, a collaborative framework between human workers and AI must be established."

He continued by stressing that the incorporation of AI should be viewed as a means to an end rather than an end goal itself. To maximize the benefits, businesses must cultivate an environment where humans and AI can work together seamlessly. PERSOL aims to empower companies to elevate their use of AI to the next level, focusing on creating a model of collaboration between humans and AI that aligns with the contemporary demands of the workforce.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. High Adoption Rate of AI and RPA

The survey shows that more than 90% of respondents have already integrated AI and RPA in some form. The employment of generative AI has been particularly pivotal in driving this trend.

2. Budget Allocation Concerns

While numerous companies reported annual budgets exceeding 10 million yen for AI-related expenses, the majority of these funds tend to be earmarked primarily for licensing and system implementation, rather than for addressing the significant need for talent development. Responses indicated that issues such as “security and privacy concerns” (12.3%) and “lack of specialized talent” (11.9%) are major barriers. There’s a pressing need to reassess the balance of investments between technological tools and the ‘soft’ aspects such as skills and organizational culture.

3. Preference for Collaboration Over Full Automation

When employees were asked about their ideal scenarios for human-AI collaboration, the leading responses were: receiving advice as an expert or advisor (33.7%) and working alongside AI as colleagues or partners (24.3%). This reflects a growing mindset where AI is seen as an extension of human capabilities, assisting rather than replacing the human workforce.

For further details, you can access the complete survey results here.

PERSOL Work Switch Consulting integrates HR consulting expertise with technological consulting knowledge, providing holistic support not only for AI and RPA deployment but also for redesigning business processes, developing talent, and formulating guidelines. By harnessing the synergy of human and technological resources, they contribute to sustained enterprise growth and workforce well-being.

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Survey Overview

• - 2025 AI and RPA Adoption Survey
• - Survey Period: October 2025
• - Methodology: Online Questionnaire
• - Participants: 1,000 decision-makers from companies with over 300 employees involved in DX and AI adoption
• - Conducted by: PERSOL Work Switch Consulting

For any citation of the survey results, please credit "PERSOL Work Switch Consulting."

Note that data in tables or graphs may be rounded off to two decimal places, resulting in totals that may not equal 100%.

About PERSOL Work Switch Consulting

PERSOL Work Switch Consulting specializes in solving various HR issues, from strategic planning and system implementation to data usage improvement through BPR (Business Process Re-engineering) using AI and automation technologies. Their mission is to leverage the PERSOL Group’s strengths in addressing human and organizational challenges, transforming work styles, and enhancing overall productivity.