The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
Most leaders have no AI training, which could negatively impact security, privacy and corporate competitiveness, study finds
Most vice presidents and directors (58%) have never attended an artificial intelligence (AI) training or course, a study by General Assembly, a tech training and talent solutions provider, found. Nearly half (46%) said their company has no AI usage policy.
Despite predicting AI will play a pivotal role on teams in the next decade, executives reported they lack the knowledge and skills to lead in the AI era. Less than half (42%) said they are very or extremely confident they know how to use AI tools without compromising company data–and more than a quarter (27%) said they are not very or not at all confident. Additionally, nearly two in five (39%) said they don’t have the knowledge to make decisions when it comes to hiring vendors that use AI.
One in seven female managers say their gender has made it harder to succeed at work
New analysis of Ciphr’s workplace discrimination survey results – looking just at the data from 2,621 UK workers – has found a significant gender divide in people’s experiences of bias in the workplace.
As many as one in seven (14%) female managers reported feeling that their gender has made it harder for them to succeed at work. In stark comparison, just one in 14 (7%) male managers reported the same.
42% say generative AI adoption is tearing their company apart
An overwhelming majority of executives face adoption challenges. 71% of execs report adoption challenges and over a third say it’s been a massive disappointment. Meanwhile, nearly half of employees had to figure out AI on their own.
AI is creating tension between IT and other lines of business. There’s significant misalignment over who owns the AI strategy. Collaboration between IT and business leaders is critical, yet 72% of executives say AI solutions are being developed in a silo.
Annual reports reveals substantial skills gap amid rise in technology priorities
Many of the largest listed companies in the UK and US are underprioritising skills development in relation to technology, according to Multiverse analysis of FTSE 100 and S&P 100 company reports spanning the last 10 years.
Around seven in ten companies in the UK (69%) and US (76%) mention a strategic priority relating to technology in their latest reports. Yet only 7% (UK) and 8% (US) describe skills and training as a strategic priority.
No time to roll back on EDI as bias persists
Almost a third of employees (30%) say people in their organisation sometimes reject others for being different. 1 in 10 employees (9%) said they do not feel their team treat each other with respect. The research was carried out in partnership with Henley Business School, among 2,000 employees. It also revealed the number of people who feel they can bring their whole self to work has dropped dramatically in the past five years, as equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives come under threat globally. Companies such as Google, Meta, McDonald’s, and Amazon have announced they are scaling back EDI initiatives.
Loneliness and isolation: the hidden struggle of globally mobile workers
New research by Cigna Healthcare has found that nearly half (48%) of globally mobile workers are lonely, lacking companionship in their new city or country. Looking at expats in the UK in particular, the research also shows that:
- UK-based expats report significantly lower overall wellbeing than the global average (43% versus 57%) and compared with UK ‘locals’
- UK expats trail behind the global average in most wellbeing categories, including overall physical, mental, social, spiritual, work, and financial
- About half of UK expats want more support before or during their relocation, particularly employment and housing assistance.
UK faces EV skill shortage, with less than 10% of workers being qualified
The rapid growth rate of EV production and sales has led to a skill shortage in the industry, as whilst sales have increased for electric vehicles, the training of technicians has not increased at the same rate. This widens the skill gap and creates a significant issue in the industry. A lack of Government investment and incentives contributes to a growing gap in qualified technicians, as programs and institutions lack funds and development.
EV technology is complex and requires specialised knowledge, which is contributing to the lack of EV specialist garages across the country. EV skill shortage is impacting some regions more than others across the UK, with certain areas having a significant increase in electric vehicle sales, yet a lower proportion of qualified technicians.
