New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Workforce Upskilling in AI

SoftwareOne, a global provider of software and cloud solutions, has unveiled additional insights from its Cloud Skills Report, emphasising the necessity of bridging the human-machine divide.

A primary challenge for companies in their digital transformation journeys is ensuring that employee skill development keeps pace with rapid innovation. Almost two-thirds (62%) of organisations report lacking sufficient skills to harness AI effectively, while 41% are struggling to find employees with AI expertise.

The research highlights an urgent reality: fostering close collaboration between human workers and advanced technologies is crucial amid a growing cloud skills gap and apprehension about AI. This symbiotic relationship is poised to redefine organisational dynamics, with 97% of organisations planning to prioritise workforce upskilling according to the report.

The cloud skills shortage has increased the individual workloads of 62% of respondents, leading to significant repercussions such as burnout and high turnover rates within departments. Notably, nearly a quarter (23%) of global IT managers are considering resigning due to the skills gap, while a striking 84% of companies view IT retention issues as a significant challenge.

These retention issues are exacerbated by conflicts within teams. 34% of respondents reported that the cloud skills gap has caused tension between them and their supervisors, while 42% indicated it has led to team conflicts. Additionally, one in five respondents (22%) mentioned they do not feel comfortable requesting additional training to enhance their skills.

“Rapid advancements in AI and generative AI present exciting opportunities for companies worldwide, but organisations are facing a ticking talent time bomb if they do not upskill and retrain their workforces now to realise the potential of AI,” said Brian Duffy, CEO at SoftwareOne.

“Our research shows that the overwhelming majority of organisations are planning to upskill their IT teams to fast-track AI adoption and accelerate their cloud journey. By placing people at the centre and demonstrating how these innovations can enhance their roles rather than pose threats, organisations can foster a culture of empowerment and optimism that helps increase retention, boost productivity, and make work more meaningful.”