The US Workforce Is in a Silent Standoff

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Economic uncertainty and unyielding advancements in technology have employers questioning whether today's talent has the skills necessary to meet tomorrow's demands. DeVry University's third annual report on upskilling and reskilling reveals that 69 percent of organizations are concerned that their workforce lacks the skills required over the next five years.

Economic uncertainty and unyielding advancements in technology have employers questioning whether today's talent has the skills necessary to meet tomorrow's demands. DeVry University's third annual report on upskilling and reskilling reveals that 69 percent of organizations are concerned that their workforce lacks the skills required over the next five years.

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Meanwhile, 85 percent of workers say they feel confident in their current capabilities. More than half believe their job will still be highly relevant in the next five years and that artificial intelligence has made no difference to their job security.

Meanwhile, 85 percent of workers say they feel confident in their current capabilities. More than half believe their job will still be highly relevant in the next five years and that artificial intelligence has made no difference to their job security.

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That misalignment widens the gap between perceived stability and how prepared organizations are for the future. What's more, the dynamic creates an environment where workers feel disengaged and employers are unclear on how to move forward.

That misalignment widens the gap between perceived stability and how prepared organizations are for the future. What's more, the dynamic creates an environment where workers feel disengaged and employers are unclear on how to move forward.

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"When workers assume they're prepared and employers fear they are not, the result is paralysis," states Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University, in a press release. "Now more than ever, it's critical to bridge this gap and create a roadmap for upskilling, reskilling, and long-term workforce readiness."

"When workers assume they're prepared and employers fear they are not, the result is paralysis," states Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University, in a press release. "Now more than ever, it's critical to bridge this gap and create a roadmap for upskilling, reskilling, and long-term workforce readiness."

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Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America's Talent Economy surveyed more than 1,500 workers and 500-plus hiring decision makers from a variety of industries to find what's behind this disconnect and offer actionable takeaways.

Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America's Talent Economy surveyed more than 1,500 workers and 500-plus hiring decision makers from a variety of industries to find what's behind this disconnect and offer actionable takeaways.

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Both workers (71 percent) and employers (81 percent) believe investing time and money in education is worthwhile, and the report notes that skill-specific credentials are essential. Half of employers say credentials, certificates, and certifications help give workers a framework to build new skills.

Both workers (71 percent) and employers (81 percent) believe investing time and money in education is worthwhile, and the report notes that skill-specific credentials are essential. Half of employers say credentials, certificates, and certifications help give workers a framework to build new skills.

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But although nine out of 10 employers claim to offer upskilling benefits, workers report declining access and question whether employers are doing enough to help staff build the skills they need to compete in the future. Just 55 percent of employees say they had access to employer-provided upskilling in 2025, compared to 67 percent in 2024. And even fewer state that their organizations offered reskilling opportunities (45 percent in 2025; down 16 percent from 2024).

But although nine out of 10 employers claim to offer upskilling benefits, workers report declining access and question whether employers are doing enough to help staff build the skills they need to compete in the future. Just 55 percent of employees say they had access to employer-provided upskilling in 2025, compared to 67 percent in 2024. And even fewer state that their organizations offered reskilling opportunities (45 percent in 2025; down 16 percent from 2024).

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To overcome the gap, DeVry suggests that both sides engage in open dialogue. Workers should proactively ask employers about skill-specific learning opportunities, and employers must offer clear guidance, structured training, and transparent growth pathways.

To overcome the gap, DeVry suggests that both sides engage in open dialogue. Workers should proactively ask employers about skill-specific learning opportunities, and employers must offer clear guidance, structured training, and transparent growth pathways.

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"Collaboration is the unlock," says Awwad. "That means employers providing clearer pathways and workers embracing lifelong learning."

"Collaboration is the unlock," says Awwad. "That means employers providing clearer pathways and workers embracing lifelong learning."