Communicative Dissonance

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Fifty-three percent of the global workforce lacks confidence that organizations are investing in skills development, according to ADP Research's People at Work 2024: A Global Workforce View . The report documents responses from nearly 35,000 workers in 18 countries, the majority of whom believe technological prowess, including artificial intelligence, is critical for the future.

Fifty-three percent of the global workforce lacks confidence that organizations are investing in skills development, according to ADP Research's People at Work 2024: A Global Workforce View. The report documents responses from nearly 35,000 workers in 18 countries, the majority of whom believe technological prowess, including artificial intelligence, is critical for the future.

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More than one-quarter of employees believe AI will help them with certain tasks, and nearly one-fifth intend to use the technology on a daily basis. But training in a functionality with such far-reaching effects is lacking. Less than half of respondents believe they have the AI skills to succeed. As a result, many employees are concerned about companies replacing their job functions with AI.

More than one-quarter of employees believe AI will help them with certain tasks, and nearly one-fifth intend to use the technology on a daily basis. But training in a functionality with such far-reaching effects is lacking. Less than half of respondents believe they have the AI skills to succeed. As a result, many employees are concerned about companies replacing their job functions with AI.

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"This continuous evolution of work is both a challenge and an opportunity," ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson said in a press release. "It requires companies to be tuned in to how their workforce is adapting and feeling. If companies keep worker sentiment in mind, change can be an opportunity for growth."

"This continuous evolution of work is both a challenge and an opportunity," ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson said in a press release. "It requires companies to be tuned in to how their workforce is adapting and feeling. If companies keep worker sentiment in mind, change can be an opportunity for growth."

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Demographic trends, including retiring older workers, affect skills-related issues, notes People at Work 2024. According to 2023 Pew Research Center statistics, the older workforce comprises 11 million people, nearly quadrupling its size since the mid-1980s. ADP's report states that widespread retirements will result in skills shortages and loss of institutional knowledge.

Demographic trends, including retiring older workers, affect skills-related issues, notes People at Work 2024. According to 2023 Pew Research Center statistics, the older workforce comprises 11 million people, nearly quadrupling its size since the mid-1980s. ADP's report states that widespread retirements will result in skills shortages and loss of institutional knowledge.

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Staff, especially younger generations, are forthright about their need for training and advancement. Seventy-two percent of workers between ages 25 and 34 discuss skills and training with their employers; sixty-nine percent of individuals aged 18 to 24 do the same.

Staff, especially younger generations, are forthright about their need for training and advancement. Seventy-two percent of workers between ages 25 and 34 discuss skills and training with their employers; sixty-nine percent of individuals aged 18 to 24 do the same.

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"This data should serve as a wake-up call," says Sirsha Haldar, general manager for Northern Europe at ADP, in a press release. "Skills development is clearly something employees desire, and we know that it's a critical factor for career progression, engagement, retention, and business outcomes."

"This data should serve as a wake-up call," says Sirsha Haldar, general manager for Northern Europe at ADP, in a press release. "Skills development is clearly something employees desire, and we know that it's a critical factor for career progression, engagement, retention, and business outcomes."

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Without skills development opportunities, however, employees cannot hope to meet future demand or effectively replace retirees. Workers also rely on improved skills to propel themselves up the corporate ladder and reach the fruits of their learning labors: better roles and higher pay. Per ADP Research, respondents are more dissatisfied with pay than with any other attribute. Survey participants in every country overestimated their pay gains in 2023.

Without skills development opportunities, however, employees cannot hope to meet future demand or effectively replace retirees. Workers also rely on improved skills to propel themselves up the corporate ladder and reach the fruits of their learning labors: better roles and higher pay. Per ADP Research, respondents are more dissatisfied with pay than with any other attribute. Survey participants in every country overestimated their pay gains in 2023.