Almost half of workers (48 per cent) believe artificial intelligence (AI) will improve their career and promotion prospects, far outstripping fears of using the technology, according to Randstad.
A poll of over 1,500 employees around the UK found that 47 per cent see AI as making an impact on their industries and roles. However, only 7 per cent of UK employees have been offered any AI training in the last year.
Employers should address gap in training expectations
Almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent) think learning and development will be important to future proof their careers and earning potential. Employees rank AI (19 per cent) as the fourth most important skill set for development, behind leadership skills (25 per cent); wellbeing and mindfulness (23 per cent); and coaching and mentoring (20 per cent). While employees clearly appreciate how AI skills could support them in their current and future roles, a gap exists between the training they want and training they receive.
When it comes to AI skills training the research found that only 7 per cent of respondents received training in the last 12-months, while 19 per cent expect some over the course of the next year.
On the whole, 30 per cent of those surveyed reported they received no learning and development opportunities in the past 12-months, and the figure widens when considering blue-collar workers (43 per cent).
Training increases in importance versus flexibility
When looking at generational differences, the data shows that Gen Z now value learning and development (17 per cent) more highly than their organisation’s culture (16 per cent) — while remuneration still remains of primary importance.
Generation Z staff are most likely to take action if their training demands are not met. A third (33 per cent) saying that they would quit a job if they were not offered learning and development opportunities in the next twelve months, more than double the number of baby boomers (12 per cent).
Victoria Short, the UK chief executive of Randstad said: “More employers are seeking talent with AI skills — our international analysis of job ads shows a 2000 per cent uptick since Q1… The imbalance between skills demanded by businesses and those desired by employees, on the one hand, and the training opportunities provided, on the other, has to be addressed… Our data shows that employees stand ready to embrace AI. Successful organisations will be those that leverage [workers’] readiness.”
