Majority of Workers Unprepared for AI Integration, Survey of Executives Reveals
Study reveals 80% of workers are not prepared for AI integration, according to surveyed executives. High-performing companies prioritise upskilling and technology integration to bridge the gap. Leading organisations focus on equipping employees with advanced skills to thrive in an AI-centric work environment.
Despite a projected US$235 billion spend on AI this year, expected to triple to $630 billion by 2028, the research indicates that a significant gap exists in employee preparedness for AI adoption. According to the study, nearly half of surveyed business leaders believe that only 20% of the workforce is equipped to build AI, leaving a staggering 80% unprepared for the transition.
The research also highlighted that 57% of leaders admitted that less than a quarter of their full-time employees possess the capability to independently utilise AI-driven solutions to tackle work challenges. Dr. Kelly Monahan, managing director of The Upwork Research Institute, explained that the study aimed to explore how companies are navigating the evolving work landscape amidst macroeconomic challenges, focusing on AI adoption and innovation strategies.
The disparity between the substantial investments made in AI and the lack of employee readiness poses a significant risk to organisations. Dr. Monahan emphasised that high-performing companies acknowledge this gap and take proactive measures to bridge it. She noted that Work Innovators, as identified in the study, prioritise upskilling and technology integration, with 63% of these organisations making upskilling a central element of their technology strategies.
Dr. Monahan highlighted that leading companies focus on equipping employees with advanced skills such as data literacy, critical thinking, virtual collaboration, and resiliency to thrive in an AI-centric environment. The study aims to provide actionable insights for business leaders to enhance operational efficiency, improve workforce readiness, and foster innovation. By sharing best practices from Work Innovators, the research seeks to encourage the adoption of flexible, tech-forward models to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing environment.
Study reveals 80% of workers are not prepared for AI integration, according to surveyed executives.
High-performing companies prioritise upskilling and technology integration to bridge the gap.
Leading organisations focus on equipping employees with advanced skills to thrive in an AI-centric work environment.
Source: FORBES