A global survey suggests that while both employers and employees agree artificial intelligence will play a central role in future business performance, they remain sharply divided on who should ensure the workforce has the skills to use it.
The research, published in Emergn’s Global Intelligent Delusion study, found strong expectations from employees that companies should take the lead. Eight in ten respondents said employers are responsible for providing AI training, and more than three-quarters expect additional support as tools and workflows change. Two-thirds said they would think twice about applying for a role at a company that does not offer meaningful development programmes.
“Employees want direction and clarity as the pace of technological change accelerates,” said Alex Adamopoulos, chief executive of Emergn. “For organisations that want to attract and retain high-performing talent, building AI capability is no longer optional.”
However, the survey suggests many senior leaders see things differently. While 83% of CEOs believe workers should take charge of their own AI development, that view is not consistently shared across the executive team. Only 64% of COOs and 59% of CTOs agreed, pointing to a lack of alignment inside boardrooms as organisations invest in new technology.
Adamopoulos said this mismatch risks slowing adoption. “A paradox has emerged. Everyone accepts more training is needed, but there is disagreement on who should provide it. That tension is becoming one of the defining challenges of AI adoption.”
The study also links inadequate training to a series of operational setbacks. Nearly a third of respondents reported delays of more than six months on digital transformation programmes. Others cited higher staff turnover, weaker productivity, and a negative impact on employees’ mental wellbeing. Only a quarter of respondents said their organisation had avoided disruption linked to gaps in training.
Adamopoulos warned that companies ignoring the issue risk undermining their own ambitions. “If people are not supported through change, the organisation will struggle to meet its goals. Skills must sit at the centre of any AI strategy.”
