While AI is figuring prominently into executives’ strategic plans, new global research has found a significant AI readiness gap, as workers report being ill-prepared to use and work alongside the technology.
According to the report, Learning Reinvented from Accenture, 84% of leaders surveyed expect regular human-AI collaboration within three years; yet, only 26% of workers say they have received training on how to collaborate with AI.
For its survey, Accenture polled 14,000 workers and 1,100 executives across 12 countries. On the positive side, the perception gap is not due to a lack of enthusiasm among workers. In fact, a large majority (80%) of employees see gen AI as more of an opportunity than a threat. At the same time, only 11% of organizations say they can currently enable effective co-learning, according to the report.
“Closing the readiness gap isn’t just about adopting new technologies. It’s about building organizations where people and AI can thrive together,” says Karalee Close, global lead of talent and organization at Accenture. “The companies that succeed will be those that accelerate integrating continuous co-learning, redesigning work and strengthening trust in leadership as they prepare for the future.”
For example, Close notes that one global consumer goods company reimagined how work gets done by using AI-powered connectivity to break down silos and connect teams and information across the organization. This created faster, more collaborative ways of working. By embedding human and machine collaboration directly into workflows, she says, the company made its operations more connected, efficient and resilient.
5 ways to address the AI readiness gap
With that, Close offers several strategies for closing the AI readiness gap:
Redesign roles and workflows for human-AI collaboration
Close explains that companies need to rethink jobs, feedback loops and processes so people and AI can work seamlessly together. A full 95% of executives that Accenture surveyed, she notes, say they must redesign roles “to fully integrate AI into work.”
Embed learning into everyday work
According to Close, future-ready organizations make skill development continuous, not an afterthought. More than 80% of execs, she says, believe learning is most effective when it’s built into employees’ everyday activities—and not treated as a “separate task.”
Design AI tools around people
AI tools should fit naturally into employees’ workflows, Close says, adding that this strategy involves making AI work the way people work, ensuring that technology enhances rather than hinders productivity.
Hardwire trust and accountability
According to Close, clear governance and transparency are essential for adoption. She points out that nearly three-quarters of workers surveyed say they are more willing to embrace AI when governance is clear and transparent, underscoring the need for strong leadership and accountability.
Lead with curiosity and creativity
Leaders must model experimentation and innovation, encouraging teams to question assumptions and explore new ideas. Along those lines, she adds, more than 80% of executives told Accenture they are focused on building a culture of curiosity and developing a growth mindset to help their people adapt to change.
“Organizations that bring together strategy, culture and technology,” Close says, “are better able to handle change and prepare for the future of work.”
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