Roundup: Reskilling for AI’s Not a Priority, CHROs Say
If the devil of AI adoption is in the details, CHROs aren’t yet ready to pick up the burden.
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According to the Conference Board, just 7% of HR leaders have prioritized the reskilling of workers who’ll be most impacted by the technology’s use. At the same time, they’re actively exploring new ways their organizations can put AI to work, mostly by experimenting with pilot programs and use cases related to HCM.
Overall, CHROs’ outlook on the state of the workforce remains stable. The Conference Board CHRO Confidence Index dropped only slightly, to 54, in 2024’s fourth quarter, down from 55 in Q2. (A reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses.)
During Q4, the index showed that reskilling workers because of AI is the lowest priority for CHROs and other HR leaders. While only 7% are implementing reskilling strategies for affected job roles, experimenting with AI was the top priority.
Close to two-thirds – 62% – of CHROs said modeling AI experimentation with pilots and use cases in HCM was their top priority as they seek to capitalize on AI’s benefits. Other priorities: Addressing risks and concerns, as well as investing in AI literacy and expertise, were also priorities.
In addition:
About 36% of CHROs advocated for governance policies that will help mitigate the risks of using AI across the enterprise.
About 21% are developing and implementing AI literacy programs for their entire workforce.
Some 21% aim to address concerns about AI (for example, labor displacement) by emphasizing the technology’s potential benefits.
Some 20% support the creation and fulfillment of roles that bring AI expertise into the organization.
Downplaying the importance of skills may prove to be penny-wise and pound-foolish, suggests Diana Scott, leader of the Conference Board’s US Human Capital Center. “Companies that shortchange upskilling and reskilling “might be caught in a perilous position as the proliferation of AI requires new skills for different roles,” she said.
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