Investing in future-proofing your employees’ AI skill set
This blog was originally published on Innovative Human Capital
Every era of technology advancement forces organisations to reckon with the future of their businesses and workforces. As corporate leaders evaluate how implementing AI will shape their businesses, employees wonder how this new technology will change their careers and prospective opportunities. In an already challenging economy, it’s estimated that 1.1 billion jobs are likely to be radically transformed by technology by 2030.
Organisational growth and transformation are only possible through transforming the workforce’s capabilities. Leaders can successfully implement AI and new technology from the bottom up by investing in upskilling through end-to-end learning programmes. Remaining a cut above competitors starts with upskilling employee populations.
The AI upskilling revolution
The World Economic Forum deemed the 2020s the “decade of upskilling”. That sentiment has yet to be felt by the majority of American workers. Nearly 58% of employees are afraid that their skills have gone stale since the onset of the pandemic. For good reason. The rapid introduction of AI is already on the path toward rendering skills obsolete.
Organisations should pay attention to this industry-shifting signal. WEF’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report estimates that six in 10 workers will require training before 2027, but only half of the workers actually have access to training opportunities that power skill retention and implementation. If 50% of the workforce is removed from the equation, how can companies expect to grow and survive a changing market?
In the AI era, upskilling employees is a matter of time. Further, upskilling is not just a business imperative; it’s necessary for retention. 74% of Millennial and Gen Z employees are likely to quit within a year if they are not offered skills development opportunities.
Continuous learning is a key element of AI introduction. In a world where companies are racing to offer the latest technology, the ability to learn and adapt quickly is a critical competitive advantage. Companies that invest in upskilling their employees are better positioned to innovate, respond to market and technological changes, and rise above their competitors.
The power of end-to-end learning
End-to-end learning encompasses ongoing education and skills development throughout an employee’s career, from onboarding to advanced training. This approach ensures that employees are continuously developing their skills and knowledge, powering quick and confident adaptation to new technologies and industry trends.
True end-to-end learning removes silos and ensures employees are learning throughout their time at the company. This holistic approach to learning fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Employees are not just trained to perform their current roles; they are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to take on new challenges and drive the organisation forward.
A Senior L&D Consultant and programme Manager at Paysafe Group Companies has seen a cultural shift after integrating end-to-end learning in the organisation. “I would say this programme is beyond training; it is more about embedding transformation in people’s mindsets.”
End-to-end learning starts at the top
The future belongs to organisations that can learn, master, and apply new skills at scale. In 2021, Amazon announced Amazon’s Upskilling 2025 pledge - a $1.2 billion commitment to skills training programmes that provide 300,000 employees with access to education and skills training programmes. Just this year, Google released a new e-learning course on Coursera to help workers everywhere understand the basics of AI and expand the development of an AI workforce.
To drive business growth from the bottom up, corporate leaders must prioritise and advocate for continuous learning within their organisations. This means providing access to upskilling opportunities and fostering a culture that values and encourages continuous learning. The companies creating comprehensive end-to-end upskilling programmes are the ones guaranteeing themselves a smooth sail in a changing, often tumultuous market.
As AI evolves rapidly, ongoing investment in upskilling through end-to-end learning is crucial for businesses to thrive. Investing in end-to-end learning is not just about preparing for the future; it’s about thriving in the present. It’s about ensuring that every employee has the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and adapt and feel their individual contribution to the organisation’s success. The power of end-to-end learning is undeniable, and it’s time for organisations to embrace it.
