Skillsoft's Workforce Readiness Report: AI edition identifies a gap between AI adoption and workforce preparedness. With AI increasingly embedded in workplaces, there is a difference between tool usage and perceived readiness. Although 86% of employees use AI tools, 24% report feeling adequately equipped with the skills required for effective use.
The report also notes a 53-point difference between employee readiness perceptions and organisational viewpoints. At the same time, 11% of employees have undergone formal skills assessments, while 16% receive training before new AI tools are introduced.
Governance is reported as limited in many organisations, with fewer than 1 in 10 employees indicating the presence of comprehensive AI governance. This may affect how AI is deployed and how readiness decisions are formed.
There is also reported uncertainty around skill requirements, with 28% of employees saying their job descriptions accurately reflect their daily tasks. The pace of AI adoption is described as faster than the availability of training, which may affect confidence and implementation. Entry-level roles are also changing as a result of AI, with shifting expectations for tasks and responsibilities.
Time constraints and prioritisation are commonly cited barriers to skills development, with 59% of employees identifying lack of time as a key factor. The report also notes variation in AI-related guidance across teams, which can lead to inconsistencies.
AI is influencing expectations for entry-level positions, with a shift toward tasks involving problem-solving and collaboration. This is associated with changing career development pathways and evolving skill expectations.
To address the gap between readiness and adoption, organisations are encouraged in the report to align learning strategies with business objectives and establish clearer governance structures. It also highlights the concept of a Skills Supply Chain, described as a continuous process for identifying, developing, and applying skills to support ongoing AI integration.
