In this new era, organizations must balance the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the risks it introduces to the workforce and IT infrastructure. A workforce proficient in using AI tools can unlock immense potential, driving innovation and competitive advantage. According to DeVry University’s report on AI upskilling, 52 percent of workers and 45 percent of employers view AI proficiency as the most valuable future skill. Nearly all software now integrates some form of AI, from automation to predictive analytics, placing a premium on the ability to harness these capabilities effectively. As AI reshapes industries, however, it’s not merely displacing roles but augmenting them, requiring both organizations and employers to invest in upskilling to navigate emerging workforce and IT challenges.
AI Advantage: The Workforce Transformation
AI adoption has become an essential aspect of business competitiveness. A Workday survey found 80 percent of business leaders consider AI and machine learning essential to staying competitive, while McKinsey found 65 percent of business leaders say their organizations now regularly use generative AI in at least one business function—up from just one-third in 2023. Organizations that empower employees to harness AI’s full potential already are seeing productivity gains. In contrast, those neglecting to integrate AI effectively may fall behind, underscoring the notion that it’s not a matter of if AI will impact a company but rather how much and how prepared the workforce is to respond.
Companies must assess where skill gaps exist and proactively address them with structured upskilling programs. Collaborations with universities, training providers, and organizations is key to delivering effective training solutions employees expect and need. Employees aren’t just looking for AI training; they want to know how this training aligns with their current roles or prepares them for future responsibilities.
AI training goes beyond understanding algorithms and software. It’s about developing durable skills—critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability—that empower employees to apply AI effectively within their day-to-day tasks. When workers have these foundational skills, they become better equipped to make decisions about where and how AI can bring the greatest value to the organization.
AI Risks: The Importance of Human Oversight
While AI can streamline many processes, it is still far from perfect. This presents a unique risk. For instance, if employees assume AI-generated content or recommendations are always accurate, they could unknowingly compromise the company’s integrity or security. Ninety-three percent of business leaders believe humans should be involved in AI decision-making, according to Workday’s survey. Employees must retain a critical role, reviewing AI outputs and validating them against business goals and ethical standards.
Clear policies and training are essential to guide employees in using AI responsibly. For instance, employees should avoid sharing confidential information in public AI tools, which could lead to severe data branches. This dual approach of enabling and protecting employees in their use of AI tools ensures that the company benefits from AI while minimizing risk.
Closing the AI Skill Gap: Addressing Workforce Unease
The introduction of AI has also brought an element of uncertainty, particularly among frontline workers who may fear obsolescence. For instance, Accenture found that while almost 60 percent of workers worry about AI eliminating their jobs, less than one-third of C-suite leaders feel job displacement is a concern for people. Employers can mitigate the unease by providing training that emphasizes the value AI brings to their employees’ roles, while equipping them with durable skills such as digital literacy and validation to ensure data accuracy. Addressing skill gaps candidly with employees and offering them clear upskilling pathways will alleviate these fears and foster a culture of growth.
AI Upskilling: Tangible Benefits
Effective upskilling requires that employees not only have access to training programs but also have the time to engage in them without financial barriers. Tuition assistance programs, for example, must be designed so employees aren’t required to cover costs upfront. Companies can establish partnerships with educational institutions, which can bill directly to the employer, removing cost barriers and increasing accessibility.
In DeVry’s report, 83 percent of workers said AI skills have some impact on their ability to remain employable, while 73 percent of employers were found to believe hiring more people with AI skills will benefit their organizations. By cultivating a supportive environment for AI upskilling, companies can create a workforce resilient to change, capable of leveraging AI and adaptable to future advancements. Leaders who prioritize this will enable their employees to thrive in an AI-enhanced workplace, ultimately positioning their organizations as industry frontrunners.
The most successful organizations are those that don’t just possess cutting-edge AI tools but use them effectively through an empowered, skilled workforce. Ultimately, AI is just a tool, not the solution itself. The true competitive advantage lies within the insights, creativity, and adaptability of teams that understand how to wield it. With AI becoming ubiquitous, organizations must remember that their strongest asset remains their people.
