The Adecco Group: 57% of employees want better training on AI technology

Technology is advancing fast, with generative AI changing the world of work and the way in which businesses operate.

And these changes have been found to be positive, with 62% of employees welcoming the widespread adoption of generative AI, according to the Global Workforce of the Future report from the Fortune Global 500 company, Adecco Group.

In fact, two-thirds of workers see AI as a tool that will create a positive impact on their role, with over half expecting it to provide access to opportunities that were previously not available to them.

Laurie Chamberlin, President of LHH North America at the Adecco Group explains that this indicated “a new era of work”, empowering employees to use AI to “commit to skills development and career advancement in a way they haven’t been before”.

Upskilling employees with generative AI

The report, which surveyed 30,000 workers from 23 countries across multiple industries, found that 70% of employees are already using generative AI in the workplace – yet less than half are doing so with guidance.

“Over half of workers globally want their employer to train them on AI, and, combined with a generally positive attitude towards AI tools, this signals a major untapped opportunity for their learning and development that employers need to capitalize on,” says Chamberlin.

“As AI integration progresses, workers need to be equipped with the skills needed for ethical and effective AI use to further their own careers and contribute to business growth.

“The findings were clear that giving employees the tools to grow their skill sets and opportunities for career mobility within the company improves retention and overall employee satisfaction, as workers are more interested in upskilling within their organization than looking for a job elsewhere.”

However, the study also highlights a significant education divide, with 51% of users having a high school education, compared to 76% who hold degrees.

This gap continues to grow even in the workplace, as leaders are more likely to receive guidance on how to use AI (66%) compared to those who are non-managers (57%).

Yet employers have the opportunity to rectify this imbalance, as more than half (57%) of employees express that they would like to receive training.

“HR leaders should be consistent in providing guidance, training, and upskilling to employees at all levels and focus on creating a culture that promotes continuous improvement to ensure workers are leveraging these available resources,” Chamberlin adds.

“This mindset must come from the top – executives and managers should be seen as staunch advocates and visible participants of these trainings.”

Chamberlin continues to state that in addition to investments in education, companies should commit to considering inclusiveness, transparency, privacy, and safety when it comes to AI use in the workplace.

“Our research shows that just over a quarter of workers distrust AI,” she says. “Addressing these concerns consistently as part of company-wise training can help all employees stay engaged, feel heard, and remain optimistic.”