Wolters Kluwer Survey Highlights Surge in AI Investment and Hiring Priorities for EHS Management

Wolters Kluwer Survey Highlights Surge in AI Investment and Hiring Priorities for EHS Management

(IN BRIEF) Wolters Kluwer’s latest survey of 162 EHS professionals reveals that 49% of EHS functions intend to invest in AI within the next year, while 77% consider AI skills a hiring priority. Despite current adoption rates remaining relatively low, the findings reflect growing enthusiasm for AI’s role in enhancing EHS management, alongside a clear need for stronger internal communication, skills development, and budget clarity.

(PRESS RELEASE) ALPHEN AAN DEN RIJN, 25-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional software and information solutions, has unveiled new survey results showing a marked shift toward artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) functions. Nearly half (49%) of surveyed EHS teams plan to invest in AI within the next 12 months, while 77% of respondents prioritize AI skills in hiring decisions.

Despite traditionally lagging behind other business units in digital transformation, EHS teams are rapidly acknowledging AI’s value in improving operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. The findings stem from a survey of 162 EHS professionals conducted during the Wolters Kluwer Sustainable Performance Forum (SPF) 2025.

“AI promises to revolutionize EHS by enabling leaders to collect data, and then interpret, plan, predict and act with unprecedented speed, accuracy, and efficiency,” said Richard Pulliam, SVP and General Manager of Wolters Kluwer EHS & ESG. “With nearly half of EHS teams planning to invest in AI in the coming year, the ability to collect high-quality data from across the enterprise will be crucial to optimizing this potential. We are deeply committed to driving innovation and providing game-changing technologies to ensure EHS teams are future-ready.”

Key Survey Insights

• AI Adoption Lags in EHS: Only 28% of EHS practitioners say their teams are currently using AI, a stark contrast to broader enterprise functions, where 62% report higher adoption rates.
• Growing Investment Intentions: 49% of EHS professionals have active AI investment plans over the next year, while just 13% rule out investment. However, 38% remain uncertain about their teams’ AI funding strategies, pointing to a need for improved budget transparency.
• Demand for AI Skills Rises: While 61% of EHS professionals describe their AI skill level as beginner and 25% report no experience at all, 50% say their function has undergone or plans to provide AI training. Moreover, 77% factor AI skills into recruitment, underscoring a dual strategy of training and hiring to bolster internal expertise.

The data illustrates the rising momentum for AI integration in EHS, with a clear trajectory toward more strategic investments and upskilling initiatives. As the complexity of EHS management grows, AI is poised to become a transformative asset for organizations prioritizing safety, sustainability, and compliance.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Media Contact:

Sarah Whybrow
Associate Director, External Communications
Corporate Performance & ESG
sarah.whybrow@wolterskluwer.com
+44 7855 186 173

SOURCE: Wolters Kluwer N.V.