Companies are embracing AI, and learning and development (L&D) teams play a huge role in making new AI initiatives a success. Even the most sophisticated AI strategies could fall flat if employees don't have the right skills. 

Workera recently released the 2025 State of Skills Intelligence report, which surveyed L&D leaders and employees on their approach to skills data and workforce design. The results show a disconnect between leadership and employees across training, AI readiness, and career growth.

While L&D leaders are optimistic about their AI projects — 63% think their organization will be fully “AI-ready” in the next two years — the employees who need to study and use these tools are less confident. Only 22% of employees believe their organization will be AI-ready within the same period, and 33% think their companies are “off-track” when it comes to acquiring AI skills.

The reality, in most cases, lies somewhere in between. To make real progress, organizations need to find that middle ground and make sure everyone is moving forward together. Here are some of the key findings from the State of Skills Intelligence report.

1.  1) Only 25% of employees have been offered AI-specific training opportunities in the past 12 months

Most companies are still in the experimental phase when it comes to AI. Leaders are happy for employees to try out AI chatbots and assistants, but they're not committing to specific tools or teaching employees how to use them. This hands-off approach yields limited results — GitHub Copilot can only make developers more productive if they know how to use it in their coding workflows. Even entry-level tools like ChatGPT and Gemini require a certain level of training to write effective prompts.

Employees recognize that a lack of relevant training is holding them back, but few companies are taking notice. In fact, 70% of employees received no AI training in the past 12 months, making it impossible to keep up with the rapidly changing technology. Companies without a plan will fall behind competitors that know where AI is taking them and how to get there.

L&D leaders can start by identifying the skills employees need to get the most value from the company's AI toolkit. They can then set targets for employees to work towards and measure progress. Not only does verified skills intelligence keep teams on track, but it also provides employees with visibility into the organization's AI initiatives, which in turn encourages collaboration.

1.  2) 57% of employees say their organization has communicated AI goals poorly

Transitioning to AI can be stressful for employees, particularly those who are worried about job security or their roles changing. Even employees who are enthusiastic about AI may show resistance if they don't know how it will impact them in the long run. Without employees on board, widespread adoption is an uphill battle. 

Communication is vital in any business transformation, and it's especially important for organizations establishing their AI strategy. Heightened emotions call for clear, carefully delivered messaging around AI usage and expectations. With AI changing rapidly, employers need to update employees regularly and provide opportunities for people to voice their questions and concerns. 

Leaders should share AI goals with employees at every level of the organization and explain how they impact specific roles and skills. This transparency helps turn AI from an unknown threat into an exciting opportunity in the eyes of employees. At the same time, leaders must provide the tools the workforce needs to improve its AI skills; dedicated upskilling solutions help everyone adapt to shifting roles and responsibilities. 

1.  3) Just 11% of employees think their company is very effective at closing skills gaps

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median employee tenure now hovers at around four years. The workforce is constantly evolving as employees come and go, adding and subtracting skills and capabilities. To succeed, an organization must realize the potential of its current employees by identifying and closing skills gaps. 

The 2025 State of Skills Intelligence report showed just 11% of employees consider their company's training programs to be very effective, while one in five said they are not effective at all. This suggests a majority of organizations are failing to get the most out of their workforce. By leaving potential untapped, businesses also risk losing talent — employees who feel undervalued or demotivated are more likely to churn. 

To close a skills gap, organizations first need to know it exists. Workera's AI-powered skills intelligence allows companies to accurately assess skill levels, identify gaps, and create learning experiences tailored to each employee. By prioritizing upskilling, organizations can build an agile workforce ready to adapt to changing business needs and market demands. 

1. 4) 41% of employees think AI skills will have no noticeable impact on their career development — or worse

Employees are skeptical of AI's ability to support their professional development. Only 13% of respondents are confident AI skills will have a large positive impact on career advancement, while 6% believe they will have a negative effect. These results are further proof of poor communication — when employees don't know how AI will be implemented, they fear the worst. 

Leaders should make clear the ways AI will reshape the business and how it fits into the company's vision for the future. Even more importantly, leaders need to explain how AI skills help employees add more value to the organization, rather than rendering them redundant. 

Employees are more likely to engage in upskilling programs when they understand what's in it for them. To motivate employees, leaders should explain how building AI skills like prompt engineering helps future-proof their careers. Businesses that invest in L&D equip employees with new skills and give them confidence that their future in the company is safe. 

1.  5) Only 20% of employees think their organizations are ahead of competitors on AI readiness

It's a mathematical fact that 50% of companies are ahead of their competitors when it comes to AI readiness. However, just 20% of employees believe their organization is leading the way. This difference between perception and reality suggests that even companies that are doing well with AI are failing to drum up enthusiasm.

To close the gap, business leaders should make AI a core part of their mission. Doing so helps employees make the connection between AI and business growth and recognize when the company is reaching new heights. It's easier for employees to get behind AI when they feel included in the transformation process.

Healthy competition can also build internal hype around AI initiatives. Leaders can award digital badges to employees who improve their AI skills in order to recognize and celebrate their achievement. Team-level scores are another great motivator, as employees want to do their best for their friends and colleagues. 

Read the 2025 State of Skills Intelligence report to find out more about the role of L&D leaders in the AI transformation. Ready to upskill your workforce? Contact us to arrange a demo.