A new study from IBM has found that UK employers are preparing for a major workforce reskilling effort as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into the workplace.
The study, which surveyed 3,000 global C-Suite executives across 20 industries and 28 countries, found that 41% of UK executives believe that their workforce will need to be reskilled over the next three years due to AI. The top priority for employers is to develop new skills for their workers (63%), followed by addressing technological illiteracy (57%).
In addition, the study found that UK employers are investing in giving their workers the skills they need to keep pace with AI (46%). However, the study also found that employers and workers have differing views on the most important aspects of their work. UK workers cared most about having meaningful work, while employers rated this as the least important factor for their employees. Both factions did rate flexible working arrangements as highly important, even beyond pay and job security.
Andi Britt, Senior Partner, UKI Talent Transformation Leader, IBM Consulting, said, “As we embark on a future where AI becomes an integral part of the workforce, our task is to adequately equip our employees for this key technology shift.” He added, “it is crucial that executives are able to lead their workforce through this shift and enable them to succeed in the new era of generative AI.”
As for the split between leaders and workers on job priorities, Britt believes that, “bridging this gap will be crucial in ensuring that AI and automation are harnessed in a way that enables employees to re-direct their time and energy to the meaningful and impactful work within the organization.”
The study’s findings suggest that UK employers are taking the issue of AI-driven workforce reskilling seriously. By investing in the skills and training of their workers, employers can ensure that their businesses are prepared for the future of work.
