UK Executives Prepare Workforce for AI Impact, 41% Set to Be Reskilled
As AI begins to make its mark on the working world, employers in the UK are taking proactive steps to prepare their workforce for the impending changes. A recent study conducted by IBM, which surveyed 3,000 C-Suite executives across 20 industries and 28 countries, sheds light on the key priorities for business leaders as they navigate the integration of advanced automated technologies.
According to the study, UK executives anticipate that 41% of their workforce will require reskilling over the next three years to effectively adapt to the increasing influence of AI. The development of new skills emerged as the most pressing concern, followed closely by the fear of technological illiteracy. In response, a significant 46% of the executives surveyed have already begun investing in equipping their employees with the necessary skills to keep pace with these advancements.
Interestingly, the study also revealed a disparity in perspective between employers and workers regarding the most important aspects of their work. While UK workers value meaningful work, as they hope AI will alleviate them from mundane tasks, executives ranked it as the least important factor for their employees. However, both groups shared a common sentiment regarding the significance of flexible working arrangements, which ranked highly for both, surpassing considerations such as pay and job security.
Andi Britt, Senior Partner and UKI Talent Transformation Leader at IBM Consulting, emphasized the importance of adequately preparing employees for the rising prominence of AI in the workforce. He stated, 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. Britt further highlighted the crucial role of executives in guiding their workforce through this transformation and empowering them to excel in the new era of generative AI.
Addressing the divergent opinions between leaders and workers on job priorities, Britt underscored the significance of bridging this gap to ensure that AI and automation are effectively harnessed to enable employees to redirect their time and energy towards meaningful and impactful work within their organizations.
As businesses in the UK gear up for the increasing integration of AI, reskilling the workforce and addressing concerns related to technological illiteracy emerge as key priorities. By offering the skills employees need to thrive in this evolving landscape, organizations can not only usher in the era of generative AI but also empower their workforce to embrace the opportunities presented by this technological shift. With a focus on creating meaningful work and optimizing flexible working arrangements, businesses can foster a harmonious balance between AI and human resources in the workplace, leading to improved efficiency, job satisfaction, and productivity.
