Decidr

For employees and organisations alike, upskilling is the best way to stay competitive. The ability to adapt and integrate AI-driven tools into workflows isn’t just beneficial, it’s becoming essential. By investing in learning and development (L&D), companies can future-proof their workforce, ensuring employees thrive in an AI-powered economy rather than fear displacement.

AI isn’t coming for your job.

One of the biggest barriers to AI adoption is fear. There’s a widespread belief that AI will replace human workers entirely, leaving employees obsolete. This misconception prevents individuals from upskilling and businesses from embracing AI’s full potential.

However, research tells a different story:

• 40% of workers are concerned about their long-term job security in an AI-driven world.
• Only 11% of employees are considered ‘future-ready,’ meaning they are proactive about learning new skills.
• 52% of business leaders don’t have strategies in place to encourage internal mobility. (Source: Adecco Global Workforce of the Future 2024 Report)

This hesitancy limits career growth and leaves employees bogged down in slow, repetitive work, missing out on the efficiency and creativity AI enables.

AI is creating new jobs with higher remuneration

Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is creating new, higher-paying opportunities. Employees who develop AI-related skills are becoming more valuable, with data showing significant financial and productivity benefits:

• 1 hour per day is the average time saved using AI-powered tools.
• 28% of professionals who save time with AI use it for more creative, high-value work.
• 4.8x higher labour productivity growth in AI-exposed industries.
• 84% of CEOs believe AI adoption will increase workforce efficiency within the next year.
• Workers with AI skills earn a 25% wage premium. (Sources: Adecco 2024 Report, PwC AI Jobs Barometer 2024)

For employees, embracing AI skills means unlocking new career opportunities, boosting productivity, and securing higher salaries.

Upskilling in AI is the ultimate change agent for employees and companies

Learning AI isn’t a one-time event or a single workshop, it requires a continuous learning mindset. Companies must take an AI-first approach, ensuring that AI integration is a core part of their operations, not an afterthought.

Regular, practical training programs demonstrate how AI can seamlessly fit into daily workflows, breaking down resistance and fostering confidence. Employees who actively upskill in AI are better prepared for a flatter organisational structure where roles evolve beyond repetitive task execution to specialist, high-impact problem-solving.

Identifying the skills needed to prepare for an AI future

AI and automation don’t replace human creativity and intelligence—they complement them. However, to take advantage of AI’s potential, employees must develop key skills that align with the future of work.

Technical skills

• Prompt engineering – Knowing how to communicate with AI tools to generate the best outcomes.
• Python coding – Understanding AI algorithms and automation processes.

Analytical skills

• Critical thinking – Evaluating AI-generated insights for accuracy and strategic value.
• Problem-solving – Using AI-driven data to optimise decision-making.
• Project management – Managing AI implementation in workflows.
• Predictive analysis – Leveraging AI forecasts to anticipate trends.

Soft skills

• Adaptability – Navigating AI-driven changes and evolving job responsibilities.
• Design thinking – Applying AI solutions to improve customer experience and operations.

While these skills are valuable, businesses don’t need AI experts on every team. The key is integrating AI tools that are user-friendly and intuitive, enabling employees to use AI effectively without technical expertise. Platforms like Decidr simplify AI adoption, ensuring seamless onboarding and workflow integration.

Strategies for upskilling employees in AI

To futureproof your workforce, businesses must take a structured approach to AI training. Here’s how to make upskilling a core part of your organisational strategy:

1. Assess skill gaps

Identify where employees need AI training. Conduct skills assessments to determine knowledge gaps and create personalised learning paths.

2. Develop personalised learning and development plans

AI training shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor learning experiences to each role’s requirements, ensuring relevance and engagement.

3. Offer workshops and online courses

Provide a mix of hands-on workshops, virtual training programs, and self-paced learning modules. Leverage adaptive learning platforms that adjust content based on employee progress.

4. Encourage cross-disciplinary skills

AI is transforming all business functions, from finance to HR to marketing. Encourage employees to explore cross-disciplinary AI applications to maximise their career potential.

5. Implement mentorship programs

Pair employees with AI-savvy mentors who can guide them through integrating AI into their workflows. Learning from peers accelerates adoption and reduces resistance.

6. Recognise and reward upskilling efforts

Publicly acknowledge employees who actively upskill in AI, whether through certifications, project contributions, or innovative AI-driven solutions.

7. Make continuous L&D a KPI

Track AI training progress and make learning a measurable performance indicator. This reinforces the importance of AI literacy across all teams.

8. Ensure leadership sets the example

Executives and managers should be the first to adopt AI, demonstrating its value through their workflows. When leadership embraces AI, employees are more likely to follow suit.

Where to from here?

The future of work isn’t about AI replacing employees, it’s about employees leveraging AI to work smarter, faster, and more creatively. Upskilling today ensures that both individuals and businesses stay ahead of the curve, ready to navigate future disruptions with confidence.