Optimism around AI and Desire for Upskilling Shape the Future of Work – New KPMG American Worker Survey

American workers are increasingly optimistic of the use of AI in the workplace, while focusing on career development more than ever, according to the findings of the new annual KPMG American Worker Survey.

In fact, 50 percent of more than 1,800 respondents to the survey say that automation, including AI, has improved their professional abilities, while 48 percent of respondents believe that automation will provide them with new career opportunities. Eighty-two percent of respondents also believe that upskilling is important to their career, so opportunities to do so with their current employer may be a reason to stay with their organization.

“American workers are increasingly seeing the value of new technologies including AI,” said John Doel, Principal, Human Capital Advisory, KPMG LLP. “By integrating AI collaboration into their daily tasks, organizations can tap into the potential of new workforce and organizational models that bring lasting advantages. This approach enables employees to concentrate on distinctively human abilities like critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making, which are redefining future job roles and career paths. The key for organizations will be to keep workers engaged with upskilling and reskilling opportunities through personalized training.

The report outlines key findings and explores actions that employers can take to help their organizations best prepare employees for technology transformation, deliver the best employee experience, and retain and support valuable talent.

Optimism around AI continues to grow as adoption escalates

Sixty-two percent of workers this year emphasized the importance of continuous learning and development specifically with automation technology, including AI. The AI fear factor has diminished, enabling’ automation technology visions to come to life as organizations give employees the opportunities they need to uplevel their skills.

• 69% say they use automation technologies, including AI, in the workplace at least once a week, while 30% say they use it daily.
• 50% say that automation, including AI, has improved their professional abilities and 48% believe that automation will provide them with new career opportunities.
• 53% say their organizations have shared their vision for implementing automation and AI in the workforce.
• 62% of employees say their employers emphasize the importance of continuous learning and development specifically with automation technology.

“Organizations that maintain transparency about their plans regarding AI, and provide their employees with opportunities to acquire new skills that align with those plans, will not only be more successful in retaining their talent but will also cultivate a workforce that is motivated to succeed into the future,” said Doel.

Increased interest in personalized upskilling and reskilling across the enterprise – Workforce transformation though AI

Forty-two percent of workers say that over the past year they have considered leaving their jobs, while only 27 percent have reported actively looking. Top reasons for potentially leaving their current employers include the inability to maintain a healthy work-life balance (34%) and noncompetitive financial compensation packages (32%). However, the majority is staying put due to the potential for upskilling and reskilling, including the growing value of AI in workforce transformation.

• 82% of workers agreed or strongly agreed that upskilling is important to their career.
• 26% of workers cited the opportunity to learn and gain skills in their job as a reason for staying with their organization, while 22% cited the opportunity to learn and gain skills for those future jobs they may be thinking about.
• 42% of workers reported they’ve considered leaving their organization in the past year, 39% of whom are Millennials (ages 27-42), the largest generation group in the country.

“By investing in upskilling and career mobility, companies can not only attract top talent but also retain them,” said Doel. “It is crucial to address the top three reasons people leave their companies - lack of flexibility, compensation, and respect. Creating a respectful working environment and a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion is key. To enhance the employee value proposition, companies should reassert their inclusive culture. Additionally, reviewing competitive pay practices and being creative with compensation and benefits programs can help organizations stand out in the market and retain their valuable employees."

Employees expect flexibility to be the new norm while they recognize the benefits of working on-site

Almost five years after the start of the pandemic, employees continue to expect flexibility even as some employers are trying to reassert traditional working norms. Flexibility is regarded in terms of both location and hours.

However, almost half of workers find benefits in being on-site – 47% feel they are more productive on-site, and 62% say the social aspect of working on-site positively impacts their organization’s corporate culture and their experience of belonging.

• 71% of workers say that working remotely has helped them balance work productivity and responsibilities at home.
• 73% feel confident their manager believes they’re just as productive working remotely as at the office.
• 66% of workers believe they could accomplish the same amount of work in a four-day, 32-hour work week as they could in five days.

"Balancing the desire for flexibility among employees and the return-to-office goals of senior leaders is crucial,” added Doel. “It is important to evaluate the employee value proposition and highlight the benefits of in-office work to address employee concerns. Providing incentives that reward employee flexibility can help strike a balance. When implementing changes, it is advisable to approach the process gradually, ensuring effective change management and minimizing disruption."

About the survey:

KPMG surveyed more than 1,800 U.S.-based employees representing multiple industries including consumer and retail, healthcare & life sciences, financial services, TMT and IM. Survey participants worked for organizations with at least 5,000 employees, and more than 50% worked for companies with at least $1 billion of revenue.

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