New Insperity Research Finds SMBs That Balance AI and People Investment Report Approximately 2x Better Outcomes
HOUSTON--( BUSINESS WIRE)-- Insperity, Inc. (NYSE: NSP), a leading provider of human resources and business performance solutions, released "The AI Balance Gap: Why People Strategy is the Key to Turning AI Investment Into Business Performance," new research conducted in partnership with Lighthouse Research & Advisory, which found that organizations that invest as intentionally in their people as they do in their technology report approximately 2x stronger results across five workforce and leadership commitments measured in the survey: people investment, employee experience, leadership involvement, change management and leadership trust.
“A successful AI strategy is enhanced through organizational alignment, agility and employee engagement,” said Kathy Johnson, Insperity executive vice president of strategic development. “Businesses that combine innovative technology with human expertise and a clear people strategy are better positioned to manage change, earn employee trust and turn their AI investments into stronger business performance.”
Keeping people at the center of AI adoption
The research found that AI adoption is outpacing organizational readiness among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), pointing to an opportunity for leaders to build trust by balancing technology investment with people strategy:
The research suggests that balance comes down to how leaders integrate AI into their broader workforce strategy. The report defines a balanced approach around four drivers:
These findings reinforce that successful AI adoption should incorporate people strategies. Pairing technology investments with workforce development, clear communication, human accountability and thoughtful change management can help employees understand how and why AI is being used, build trust through the transition and better position businesses for effective implementation.
To learn more about the research and download the report, “The AI Balance Gap: Why People Strategy is the Key to Turning AI Investment Into Business Performance,” click here.
About the Study
The 2026 Lighthouse Research & Advisory SMB People and AI Study, which informed The AI Balance Gap report, was conducted in partnership with Insperity. Online surveys were completed in Q2 2026 by 800 full-time U.S. workers and 1,037 leaders at SMB organizations across nearly 20 industries. Employer respondents represented organizations ranging from 50 to 2,000 employees.
About Insperity
Since 1986, Insperity’s mission has been to help businesses succeed so communities prosper. Offering a suite of the most comprehensive, scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace, Insperity is defined by an unrivaled breadth and depth of services and level of care. Through an optimal blend of premium HR service and technology, Insperity delivers the administrative relief, reduced liabilities and better benefit solutions that businesses need to drive performance and growth. With 2025 revenues of $6.8 billion and sales and service operations throughout the U.S., Insperity is currently making a difference in thousands of businesses and communities nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.insperity.com.