New report finds employers prioritizing AI literacy and education are winning the talent race
The latest Education Index conducted by The Harris Poll for EdAssist by early education and workforce specialist Bright Horizons has found that employers investing in education benefits can gain a significant advantage in retention, productivity and innovation.
The Harris Poll surveyed 2,017 employees in the US earlier this year. The report found that 42 percent of employees expect their role to change significantly within the next year due to AI. However, just 17 percent said they were using AI frequently today, highlighting a significant adoption gap.
The Education Index also found 34 percent of employees feel unprepared for AI changes, and 42 percent say their employer expects them to learn how to use AI tools on their own.
“AI is rewriting job descriptions faster than most organizations can keep up,” says Priya Krishnan, Chief Transformation Officer at Bright Horizons.
“Employers who act now will not only close critical skill gaps but also build a culture of resilience and innovation. This is not about chasing trends but creating a workforce that thrives in a world where technology and human capability advance together. Education benefits, flexible learning, and AI literacy are the foundation for long-term competitiveness.”
The report also highlights that 85 percent of employees say they would be more loyal to an employer that invests in their continuing education, and 55 percent say access to AI training or certification would make them more likely to stay.
Where employers have provided AI training, employee adoption of AI tools increases to 76 percent, compared with just 25 percent without any training provided.
