CEOs and CIOs/CTOs have different views on AI’s workforce impact. A small group of 14% of companies globally are deploying AI for commercial use while future-proofing their workforces.
A new global report by Kyndryl reveals that while many businesses have started adopting artificial intelligence (AI), only a few have prepared their workforce to use the technology effectively. This mismatch between investment and readiness is limiting the ability of organizations to realize the full value of AI.
Key findings from the report
Based on responses from over 1,000 business and technology leaders across 25 industries and eight countries, the People Readiness Report presents several significant trends:
- 95% of global businesses and 97% of Indian organizations have implemented some form of AI.
- Seventy-one percent of leaders globally and 52% in India say their workforce lacks the necessary skills to utilize AI effectively.
- CEOs and CIOs/CTOs have different views on progress: CEOs are more likely to believe their organizations are at an early stage of AI adoption and lack the infrastructure to support it.
India’s position
India reports higher levels of workforce readiness compared to other regions.
- 37% of Indian leaders believe their workforce is currently prepared to use AI, and 57% say they are ready for future developments.
- A significant number of Indian organizations (41%) have invested in AI systems that also consider employee well-being.
- 72% of Indian leaders prioritize upskilling existing employees, indicating a focus on internal capability-building.
Common barriers to AI effectiveness
Despite high adoption rates, several challenges remain:
- Integration with existing systems is a concern for 61% of Indian leaders.
- Employee trust in AI remains a global concern, with 45% of CEOs reporting that workers are resistant or skeptical of its use.
- Skill gaps remain a significant concern across regions and industries.
Insights from high-performing organizations
The report identifies a group of organizations termed “AI Pacesetters” who are seeing better results from AI by addressing three key areas:
- Implementing structured change management strategies
- Taking steps to improve employee trust in AI
- Mapping and addressing current skill gaps within the workforce
The findings suggest that implementing AI alone is not sufficient. Organizations that combine technology adoption with workforce readiness through upskilling, governance, and cross-functional alignment—are better positioned to benefit from AI. Preparing employees to work with AI systems is emerging as a central requirement for realizing long-term value.