- Report highlights corporate preference for recruiting new AI talent over upskilling existing workforce
- Survey of 2,000 C-suite executives across nine countries reveals 66% favor external hiring for AI-skilled roles
- Concerns raised over lack of AI literacy among top leadership, with 57% expressing uncertainty
- Discrepancy exists between hiring externally for digital skills and investing in internal development
- Anticipation of job disruptions due to AI adoption, with plans to redeploy displaced workers
- Optimism regarding pay increases for AI-related roles, but emphasis remains on human-centric skills
Main AI News:
A recent report by The Adecco Group, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, sheds light on the prevailing imbalance between “buy vs. build” approaches to AI adoption in the corporate landscape. Surprisingly, over half of companies surveyed in leading economies are inclined towards recruiting new talent to navigate AI implementation, rather than investing in upskilling their existing workforce. This trend, if sustained, could pose significant challenges for employers in the foreseeable future, warns Adecco.
The survey, canvassing 2,000 C-suite executives across nine countries, reveals a stark divide: 66% favor acquiring AI-skilled professionals externally, while only 34% opt for internal talent development through training programs. Denis Machuel, CEO of The Adecco Group, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Artificial intelligence is emerging as a great disrupter in the world of work, and the current path is unsustainable.”
Furthermore, the report underscores a concerning lack of AI literacy at the top echelons of organizations, with 57% of leaders admitting to a deficiency in understanding AI-related risks and opportunities within their own C-suite. Despite this, formal training programs to bolster AI skills are scant, with only 43% of companies reporting their existence. Additionally, a mere 50% provide guidance to staff on utilizing AI in their roles.
The discrepancy between sourcing external talent and nurturing internal capabilities extends beyond AI to encompass other digital skills. The majority of leaders (62%) express intentions to recruit data literacy experts externally, compared to just 36% committed to upskilling current employees. Similarly, 60% plan to hire for digital literacy deficits, while only 37% prioritize internal development.
Predictably, AI adoption is anticipated to trigger significant job disruptions across various sectors, with 46% of respondents pledging to redeploy displaced workers. Moreover, 41% foresee a reduction in workforce size within five years due to AI integration.
Despite the looming challenges, there’s optimism regarding the remuneration of AI-related roles, with 37% of leaders expecting significant pay increases in the coming year. However, the importance of human-centric skills remains paramount, as 57% of respondents affirm the enduring influence of the “human touch” over AI in the workplace.
While the demand for AI skills intensifies, the imperative for businesses to prioritize both upskilling initiatives and responsible AI implementation cannot be overstated. As Denis Machuel emphasizes, “AI should be a tool that supports people’s unique creative potential.” Failure to address these issues could exacerbate workforce vulnerabilities and hinder organizational resilience in the face of technological disruption.
Conclusion:
The prevailing inclination towards hiring external AI talent, coupled with limited internal upskilling initiatives, underscores the urgent need for organizations to address the widening skills gap. Failure to prioritize both upskilling efforts and responsible AI implementation could impede market competitiveness and exacerbate workforce vulnerabilities amidst technological disruption.
