The Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), a renowned human capital think tank, has released its latest report, Workforce Readiness in the Era of AI. This global study explores how organizations are preparing their workforces for an AI-enabled future, revealing key practices that distinguish companies successfully scaling AI utilization from those still experimenting.
The findings highlight the transformative potential of upskilling employees in AI, particularly in Generative AI (GenAI), to drive productivity and efficiency. However, the study also warns of a growing divide between companies actively operationalizing AI and those stalled in their readiness efforts.
Key Insights from the Study
1. Upskilling is a Critical Differentiator
- Organizations operationalizing AI are focusing upskilling efforts across all workforce levels, including:
- Training executive leaders in GenAI (2.5x more likely than experimenters).
- Encouraging executives to use GenAI (3x more likely than experimenters).
- These companies believe upskilling can improve productivity by over 30%.
2. AI Operationalization is Driving Productivity
- While 41% of organizations are still experimenting with GenAI, 11% have operationalized it, scaling AI applications across departments and workflows.
- Leading organizations use AI to restructure processes, enhancing their ability to execute strategies effectively.
3. Workforce Anxiety About AI
- Paradoxically, employees at AI-scaling organizations report the highest levels of fear about being replaced by technology.
- As Kevin Oakes, CEO of i4cp, notes:
“Familiarity with AI’s power often brings the realization that it can outperform humans in many tasks, potentially replacing roles in the long term.”
4. HR’s Role in Driving AI Readiness
The study emphasizes the strategic role of HR in preparing organizations for AI adoption. Key recommendations include:
- Adopting GenAI Best Practices: Learn from success stories of companies like Air New Zealand, Zillow, ServiceNow, and Klarna.
- Addressing Readiness Gaps: Develop strategic workforce planning and training initiatives.
- Future-Proofing Workforces: Embed AI readiness into organizational culture and workforce planning.
Notable Findings from the Study
- Companies actively operationalizing AI report tangible results, such as:
- 30%+ productivity gains through training.
- Successful application of AI in cross-departmental processes.
- GenAI adoption trends reveal significant gaps between experimenters and scaling organizations.
The Workforce Readiness in the Era of AI report underscores the urgent need for organizations to upskill their workforces and prepare for the transformative power of AI. Companies that embrace GenAI and equip their employees with the necessary skills are poised to outpace competitors and drive accelerated growth in the AI era.
