More than half (55%) of employers expect to increase headcount due to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning over the next two years, with less than a quarter (24%) believing there will be no impact and just 18% anticipating reducing headcounts. The findings in ManpowerGroup’s latest report, Building a People-First Strategy for AI-Powered Workforce Productivity, also reveals that nearly half (48%) of companies have already adopted AI, including generative conversational AI, marking an increase of 13% from the previous year.
“AI advances hold great promise to boost productivity, offer more meaningful work, and enhance human interactions,” says Jonas Prising, CEO and chairman at ManpowerGroup. “To ensure this promise benefits the many, not the few, we must address skills gaps that currently exist and support people to develop in their careers and transition to new roles. Now is the time to prioritize upskilling, reskilling, and job redesign to build a brighter future of work.”
Employees reveal that AI optimism varies by seniority, with senior leaders (69%) being the most optimistic and factory floor and frontline workers (57%) being the least optimistic. When asked to predict the future impact of AI and machine learning at their organization, more than seven in 10 (72%) anticipate AI will enhance overall business performance, with 70% expecting it to facilitate upskilling, reskilling, as well as employee training.
Respondents cite high costs (33%), concerns about privacy and regulations (31%), and lack of employees with AI skills (31%) as among the top challenges in AI adoption.
The report identifies several key opportunities to leverage AI, including the following.
- Organizations should scale their upskilling and reskilling initiatives to ensure employees have the necessary skills to work alongside AI-based technologies.
- Job redesign efforts should be based on the human talent organizations already have, leveraging AI to augment and enhance human capabilities.
- To overcome challenges like high costs, privacy concerns, and lack of AI skills, organizations should choose appropriate implementations, establish AI governance policies, and invest in workforce development.
- Leaders must engage employees at all levels to foster optimism and buy-in for AI-based technologies.
- Establish an AI council to discuss how the technology will be used and to develop and evolving policy aligned with regulations.
