40% of global workers need AI-driven reskilling — IBM

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — A recent study by tech giant IBM predicted that around 40% or 1.4 billion of global workers will need reskilling in the next three years due to artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.

This insight from the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) underscores the widening skills gap in the global workforce.

As AI integrates further into businesses, the importance of human talent remains undiminished. Yet, generative AI’s influence means adapting talent approaches. 

For instance, 77% of executives note that AI affects entry-level positions, with this influence set to grow. However, just 22% see this impact at senior management levels.

At 87%, most executives think AI will enhance, not replace, roles. This view is most prevalent in procurement (97%) and finance and risk compliance (93%), with 73% foreseeing it in marketing.

While tech evolves, employees value purposeful work over job perks like flexibility. Their focus is on job significance rather than employer stature. In contrast, executives emphasize the importance of flexible working.

With these shifts, IBM said that HR leaders will remain the key to guiding organizations through AI-related challenges and adapting to the changing work environment.