Skill Gaps in Workplace Highlight Need for Leadership and AI Training

Skillsoft, a leader in transformative learning experiences, has released research that highlights the current state of workplace skills and talent development programs. Surveying 2,500 full-time employees from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and India, the findings underscore concerns around skill gaps and job security, as well as the growing demand for leadership and AI/machine learning skills.

1. Key Findings on Workplace Skills:
   • 35% of employees lack confidence in their skills for succeeding in their roles.
   • 41% express concerns about job security due to skill gaps.
   • Leadership skills are rated as the most critical, followed by soft skills, technology, and AI/machine learning.
2. Leadership and AI Skills in Demand:
   • While leadership skills are highly valued, 31% of employees cite it as their largest skill gap.
   • 43% say their biggest shortcoming lies in AI/machine learning skills, critical for today’s tech-driven workplaces.
3. Ineffective Talent Development Programs:
   • Although 95% of organizations have talent development programs, only 25% of employees find them highly effective.
   • Major obstacles include lack of time (42%), poor learning formats (30%), and insufficient leadership support (26%).
4. Blended Learning Solutions Preferred:
   • Employees seek a combination of online, on-demand courses (39%), interactive opportunities (37%), and live, instructor-led training (37%) for skill-building.
   • A multimodal approach that includes hands-on practice can improve job performance and boost confidence in emerging technologies like GenAI.
5. Gaps in AI and Leadership Training:
   • 62% of respondents feel their organization’s AI training program is average or poor.
   • Only 28% find their leadership skills training to be excellent, while 31% rate soft skills training similarly.
6. Transition to Skills-Based Talent Development:
   • 82% of respondents say their organizations are beginning to transition to a skills-based model.
   • Common steps include offering skill-based learning paths (28%) and performing skill gap analyses (16%).
   • However, only 19% of employees receive regular skill assessments, which are vital for the success of skills-based strategies.

Skill gaps are evident in today’s workplace, particularly in leadership and AI skills. To drive workforce agility and performance, organizations must adopt blended, skills-based talent development programs that link competencies directly to business objectives.