The AI Skills Race: Is Your Organization Falling Behind?
- Jerris Johnson
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
AI is rapidly changing the workplace, and its impact on careers is undeniable. While it might seem like a distant future, a new report reveals that many organizations are already deeply engaged in the AI transformation, with significant implications for employees and their skills.
A recent report from Workera, highlighted by ZDNet, provides key insights into how companies and their workforces navigate this evolving landscape. Based on surveys of 800 learning and development (L&D) leaders and 800 full-time professionals, the report points to a clear theme: AI skills are becoming increasingly vital.
Here’s what the report and related findings suggest about the current state of AI in the workplace:
The AI Race is On
Companies with a mature AI strategy are pulling ahead of their competitors. Organizations that have clearly defined their AI objectives for 2025 are significantly more likely to feel that their training programs effectively close skill gaps and that their employees are on track to acquire the necessary skills for an AI-enabled future.
Are We As Good With AI As We Think? Probably Not
Despite AI’s growing importance, there’s a notable disconnect in how well we truly understand and use these tools. The Workera report indicates that only one-third of enterprises are confident in their employees’ self-reported skills. Barriers to accurately verifying skills include understanding what verified skills entail, concerns about job security and potential employee resistance, and an over-reliance on traditional credentials like degrees and seniority. Workera’s analysis of assessments found that only a small percentage of employees accurately gauged their own skill levels, with many overestimating their capabilities.
AI Could Mean More Jobs, Not Fewer
While job displacement is a common fear, 80% of L&D leaders surveyed believe that AI will lead their company to increase, rather than reduce, overall headcount. This suggests that companies that successfully integrate AI may need more people skilled in leveraging these technologies.
Knowing AI Matters for Your Career
Organizations are increasingly prioritizing AI skills when it comes to career progression. 88% of business leaders report prioritizing AI skills over other skills for promotions or job assignments. Furthermore, 84% of companies prioritize verified AI skills over traditional degrees in hiring decisions. However, there’s a gap here, as only a small percentage of employees feel that AI skills are always prioritized for promotions in their organizations. This sentiment highlights a potential communication issue between leaders and the workforce.
Training Isn’t Keeping Pace with the Talk
Despite the recognized importance of AI skills and the prioritization by leaders, only a quarter (25%) of employees have personally been offered AI-specific training opportunities by their companies in the past 12 months. In other words, while many companies discuss the need for AI adoption, not enough are investing in the training required to bring their workforce along. Experts note that for every dollar invested in technology, roughly $5 should be invested in people to see technology come to life truly.
The Real Challenge is Human, Not Technical
Kian Katanforoosh, founder and CEO of Workera, states that most issues businesses will face in the coming years will be “people issues, not technology issues.” As powerful technologies emerge, people will struggle to catch up. Many companies are falling behind competitors because they cannot effectively reskill or upskill their employees.
The findings from the Workera report and related analyses underscore the critical need for both organizations and individuals to focus on developing genuine, verified AI skills. While leaders express confidence in their AI readiness, employees often feel less prepared, and the data on training opportunities points to a significant gap. Bridging this divide through clear communication, targeted training, and accurate skills assessment is essential for navigating the future of work.
Need a hand getting your team up-skilled in AI? Get in touch with the FutureProof Team today.
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