The Human Takes Center Stage as Worker Confidence Rises in the Age of AI: ManpowerGroup at VivaTech 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

ManpowerGroup's latest research reveals that companies heavily investing in AI are simultaneously investing in human capital. The study shows 85% of employers use AI in hiring, though 33% acknowledge AI's limitations in ethical judgment and 31% in customer service. Worker confidence has increased by 2% since 2024, as shown in their Global Talent Barometer 2025. At VivaTech 2025 (June 11-14, Paris), ManpowerGroup will present these findings and host discussions on AI's impact on work. The company will showcase five innovative startups selected from 137 applicants in their VivaTech Startup Challenge, focusing on AI solutions that enhance human capabilities in the workplace. Key events include sessions on AI's role in talent management, ESG's evolution, and labor market adaptability, featuring ManpowerGroup executives and industry leaders.

Positive

• Worker confidence has increased by 2 percentage points since 2024
• 85% of employers are now utilizing AI in hiring processes, showing widespread adoption
• Companies investing heavily in AI are also investing in human capital, indicating balanced growth
• ManpowerGroup successfully attracted 137 global applicants for their AI-focused startup challenge

Negative

• 33% of employers indicate AI cannot replicate ethical judgment
• 31% cite customer service as an area where AI has limitations
• People who cannot leverage AI may become less valuable in the workplace

New global research reveals why the most AI-forward companies are also doubling down on human potential—investing in people, not just technology.

MILWAUKEE, Wis., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As artificial intelligence reshapes the world of work, ManpowerGroup returns to Viva Technology (VivaTech), taking place June 11–14 in Paris, with new global research that reveals a surprising truth: the companies investing most in technology are also investing most in people.

According to ManpowerGroup's latest research on AI in the workplace, 85% of employers now use AI in hiring processes, but most recognize its limitations. One-third (33%) say AI can't replicate ethical judgment, while 31% cite customer service as uniquely human. Yet the research reveals a nuance that while AI won't replace people, people who can leverage AI will have more value than people who don't. These findings underscore a growing consensus toward AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement.

And workers agree. Despite rising uncertainty, ManpowerGroup's forthcoming Global Talent Barometer 2025, Vol. 1 shows worker confidence has climbed two percentage points since 2024—driven by increased access to career development and a growing belief in their ability to adapt. It signals that in an AI-powered world, human adaptability remains our most valuable asset.

"The data makes one thing clear: success with AI isn't about replacing people, it's about unlocking what makes us uniquely human," says Riccardo Barberis, ManpowerGroup Regional President of Northern Europe & France. "The organizations leading the way understand the power of what people can bring to work; ethical judgment, creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking. At VivaTech, Europe's largest startup and tech event, we're excited to share insights on why a 'Humans First, Digital Always' mindset will define success in the AI age."

Featured ManpowerGroup Events at VivaTech:

• Wednesday, June 11 | 1:55 PM - 2:25 PM Central European Time (CET)
  "The Human Algorithm: Leading Work and Talent in the AI Age"
  
  ManpowerGroup Chairman & CEO Jonas Prising joins Maud Alvarez-Pereyre, HR Director at LVMH, to explore the macro implications of AI on the future of work. The session will dissect how AI is redefining the skills ecosystem, strategic imperatives for talent acquisition and development, and the broader societal impact on employment and economic growth. Leaders will discuss the critical pivots organizations must make in their talent strategies to maintain competitiveness and how to cultivate a culture of human adaptability that thrives alongside AI.
  
  
• Thursday, June 12 | 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CET
  "What Comes After ESG? Rethinking Responsibility, Results and Relevance"
  
  ManpowerGroup Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer Ruth Harper joins Kat Borlongan (European Innovation Council), Chris French (NatureMetrics), and Mathieu Wallich-Petit (KPMG France) to explore the future of responsible business. The conversation will move beyond ESG compliance to examine how organizations can drive measurable, meaningful impact—and what this shift means for leadership, innovation, and long-term value creation.
  
  
• Friday, June 13 | 2:50 PM – 3:35 PM CET
  "Is the Labor Market Keeping Up? Tackling Today's Economic Demands"
  
  ManpowerGroup Regional President of Northern Europe & France Riccardo Barberis joins Tamara Basic Vasiljev (LinkedIn), Niall Firth (MIT Technology Review), and Claire Lebarz (Malt) to explore whether the labor market is evolving fast enough to keep pace with today's dynamic economy. The panel will examine the roots of the persistent mismatch between job seekers and open roles, how career paths are being redefined, and which strategies are helping businesses and workers build greater resilience in a fast-changing world.

At the ManpowerGroup Booth
In addition to the main stage sessions, ManpowerGroup will host exclusive conversations at their VivaTech booth, including intimate "Table Talks" led by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Chief Innovation Officer and author of "I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique." These card-game-inspired discussions for 4-6 senior leaders will explore the real challenges and opportunities in human-AI collaboration.

The booth will also feature a live CIO panel discussion on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:15 AM CET presenting insights from ManpowerGroup's 2025 CIO Outlook research, with industry peers sharing their perspectives on navigating AI transformation in the enterprise.

AI, Tech, & #huManpower: Startup Challenge Results
ManpowerGroup will also showcase the results of its 2025 VivaTech Startup Challenge, "AI, Tech & #huManpower: Redefining the Future of Work." From 137 global applicants, five innovative startups were selected as finalists for their bold, scalable technologies that support ManpowerGroup's vision of using AI to enhance, rather than replace, the human experience at work:

The 2025 Finalists:

• Coachello – AI-driven career mapping that assesses long-term employability, identifies skill gaps, and delivers personalized coaching including avatar role-plays for interview practice
• Hippolyte – Disruptive recruitment platform combining advanced AI with proprietary LLM technology to identify and engage top talent via social media while elevating employer branding through immersive campaigns
• Hunel.io – Smart candidate re-routing system that integrates with ATS and CRM platforms to turn missed matches into successful placements, maximizing recruiter productivity
• Popp – AI-native recruitment assistant that automates routine hiring tasks across the entire funnel, freeing recruiters to focus on strategic work and building meaningful candidate relationships
• Workait – Marketplace of autonomous AI workers customizable across 70+ psychological traits, capable of performing complex tasks in customer service, data analysis, and marketing to scale expertise 24/7

The finalists will present their solutions live on Wednesday, June 11, from 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM CET, with one selected to collaborate on a proof of concept within a ManpowerGroup market.

For more information about ManpowerGroup at VivaTech 2025, visit: https://vivatechnology.com/partners/manpowergroup

ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity – as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2025 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time – all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.

For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Bluesky.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-human-takes-center-stage-as-worker-confidence-rises-in-the-age-of-ai-manpowergroup-at-vivatech-2025-302475953.html

SOURCE ManpowerGroup

FAQ

What percentage of employers are using AI in hiring processes according to ManpowerGroup's research?

According to ManpowerGroup's latest research, 85% of employers now use AI in hiring processes.

How has worker confidence changed in ManpowerGroup's Global Talent Barometer 2025?

Worker confidence has increased by two percentage points since 2024.

What are the main limitations of AI according to ManpowerGroup's research?

33% of employers say AI cannot replicate ethical judgment, while 31% cite customer service as uniquely human.

How many startups applied to ManpowerGroup's 2025 VivaTech Startup Challenge?

137 startups globally applied to the challenge, with five being selected as finalists.

When and where is ManpowerGroup presenting at VivaTech 2025?

ManpowerGroup is presenting at VivaTech in Paris from June 11-14, 2025, with multiple sessions including discussions on AI in the workplace, ESG, and labor market adaptation.