The new EdAssist report reveals that AI changes the expectations of the work environment. Also, deepens the skills crisis in the country. According to the research, employees are under considerable pressure to acquire new skills. Meanwhile, many workers face barriers to training and education. Therefore, employers must act to support upskilling.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ study done by The Harris Poll for EdAssist by Bright Horizons shows that 42% of employees anticipate a major change in their job roles within the next year. Besides that, 32% state that they have been subjected to more pressure than before to acquire new skills due to the use of AI in the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌workplace. In addition, 81% say they face heavier workloads. These trends underscore the urgent skills gap.

Employees want practical learning options. For example, 76% completed additional education in short, stackable formats. Also, 85% say they would be more loyal to employers who invest in continuing education. Therefore, employer-funded training can improve retention and accelerate workforce development.

Why employers must invest now

When employers provide formal AI training, adoption jumps dramatically. Specifically, AI use rises to 76% with training, compared with 25% without it. Furthermore, 84% of trained employees feel prepared for AI-driven role changes. However, half of workers report no employer-provided AI training. Thus, many employees still learn on their own.

Financial barriers remain a key obstacle. Nearly half say student loan concerns stopped them from pursuing education. Meanwhile, 77% of those with debt call it a huge burden. Therefore, affordable, short-term learning and loan support matter. Moreover, employers that remove financial friction will build a more resilient workforce.

Basically,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the report reveals that artificial intelligence changes the nature of work and doubles the necessity for upskilling and reskilling. Therefore, companies that decide to invest in employee training, provide learning that is adaptable to the employees, and lower the economic barriers for employees will keep their employees for a longer period of time and will be able to compete in the AI era. In the end, the findings of EdAssist emphasize the necessity of the labor market strategy to change along with the technological revolution in the nature of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌jobs.

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News Source: Businesswire.com