Most Executives Say Ignoring AI Is a Bigger Threat to Your Career Than the Tech Itself
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent survey conducted by Kelly Services highlights a growing disparity between executive attitudes and employee perceptions regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. According to the Kelly Global Re:work Report, nearly 69% of senior executives believe that neglecting AI is a more significant threat to job security than the technology itself. Surprisingly, over half of the executives surveyed indicated they would replace workers who resist incorporating AI into their work. Despite this urgency, only 47% of employees reported any time savings from AI tools, with 32% expressing skepticism about their effectiveness.
Kelly CEO Chris Layden pointed out the disconnect between leaders and employees, emphasizing that while executives view AI as a beneficial advancement, many workers are uncertain about its advantages and fearful of potential job displacement. The report noted that AI implementation is hindered by a lack of expertise within teams, with 80% of executives admitting that their organizations are facing challenges such as vendor integration, security issues, and slow user adoption.
To bridge the gap, the report recommends that organizations enhance AI fluency through career development, engage employees with hands-on demonstrations, and create feedback mechanisms to ensure alignment between executive optimism and employee experiences. Layden stressed the importance of leaders actively demonstrating how they utilize AI, fostering a supportive culture around AI, and outlining the mutual benefits of AI skills for both the organization and individual careers. The survey collected insights from over 6,000 professionals across various industries, underscoring the critical need for organizations to address technological, talent, and trust gaps associated with AI integration.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The findings from Kelly's Global Re:work Report highlight a crucial yet often overlooked dimension of AI integration in the workplace. As executives assert that neglecting AI skills poses a greater threat to career stability than the technology itself, a significant gap emerges between leadership and employee perspectives. This discrepancy signals potential market implications for both organizations and professionals.
For employers, the call to action is clear: invest in comprehensive training programs that enhance AI fluency among employees. Such initiatives should not only address technical skills but also establish a culture of trust and transparency regarding AI's benefits. Companies that fail to close these gaps risk thwarting their operational efficiencies and hampering business performance. The survey reveals that 80% of executives attribute stalled AI implementation to a lack of skilled teams, which underscores the urgency of talent-centric strategies.
For job seekers and current workers, the message is equally compelling. As the job landscape evolves, acquiring AI-related skills will increasingly determine career trajectories. Workers should proactively seek opportunities for professional development in AI to stay competitive. Emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning could position individuals favorably in a job market that increasingly favors tech-savvy candidates.
Investors should monitor companies that effectively bridge this skills gap, as those with robust AI training programs are likely to show improved operational performance and employee satisfaction. Firms prioritizing AI integration and workforce development will not only thrive but also attract top talent.
Ultimately, the synergy between proactive employee engagement and executive foresight will be critical in navigating this transformation and leveraging AI as a driver for innovation and growth. Investing in human capital today can yield significant returns tomorrow, making this an opportune moment for organizations to align their technological aspirations with the workforce’s evolving capabilities.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
TROY, Mich., Nov. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Senior executives across industries view acquiring AI skills as essential to long-term career success while many employees remain unconvinced, according to a new survey from leading specialty talent solutions provider Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB).
The Kelly Global Re:work Report reveals nearly seven in ten executives (69%) believe refusing to adopt AI is a greater threat to someone’s job than the technology itself, and more than half (59%) say they would replace workers who resist adopting these tools.
Executives say AI should free up time for employees to focus on high-value tasks like collaboration, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing. However, fewer than half of workers (47%) report time savings from AI tools, and one in three (32%) say they are not seeing the benefits. Meanwhile, 80% of executives admit AI implementation is stalling because their teams lack the expertise to use these tools effectively.
“Our survey reveals a disconnect between how leaders and their employees perceive the current impact of AI on work and careers,” Kelly CEO Chris Layden said. “While leaders view AI as a smart upgrade, talent is split on whether it delivers the promised benefits or threatens their jobs. Our research shows companies can only realize the full value of AI when people understand why it matters to the business, are trained to use the technology, and trust that it benefits their own roles.”
Nearly all organizations are utilizing AI in some form while facing technical challenges, security concerns, and slow user adoption, according to the Kelly survey. Executives cite vendor integration and data hurdles but also acknowledge a skills gap. The report finds workers need more support to translate AI tools into better outcomes.
The Kelly analysis urges employers to close three interconnected gaps: in technology, talent, and trust. To close these gaps, Kelly recommends that organizations connect AI fluency to career development, address fears directly with hands-on demos that illustrate how AI helps talent succeed, and implement feedback loops to align leadership optimism with worker experience.
“AI is changing how work gets done. Faster workflows, data-driven decisions, and cost savings are just the beginning. But the disconnect between how leaders and talent experience the technology puts workforce stability and business performance at risk. It’s time to close that gap,” Layden said. “Leaders should model how they leverage AI in their own roles, foster a culture where AI-powered problem solving is encouraged, and outline how acquiring AI skills will strengthen both the business and individual career opportunities.”
About the Report
The Kelly Global Re:work Report is based on proprietary surveys of more than 6,000 professionals across industries, roles, and regions. Researchers classified professionals into two groups: executives with a job title of manager, senior manager, department head, director, vice president, or C-suite; and workers who hold individual contributor roles at their organizations. View the full report at KellyRework.com .
About Kelly ®
Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work. Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we have become experts in the many industries and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect more than 400,000 people with work every year. Our suite of outsourcing and consulting services ensures companies have the people they need, when and where they are needed most. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, we empower businesses and individuals to access limitless opportunities in industries such as science, engineering, technology, education, manufacturing, retail, finance, and energy. Revenue in 2024 was $4.3 billion. Learn more at kellyservices.com .
Media Contact
Christian Taske
248-561-8823
christian.taske@kellyservices.com
This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
FAQ**
How might the findings from the Kelly Global Re:work Report, which emphasize the importance of AI skills, impact the future performance and attractiveness of Kelly Services Inc. Class B Common Stock KELYB for investors seeking growth in tech-related sectors?
Given the reported disconnect between executives and employees regarding AI adoption, what strategies can Kelly Services Inc. Class B Common Stock KELYB implement to bridge this gap and enhance its market positioning in talent solutions?
Considering the survey findings that highlight a skills gap in AI implementation, how could Kelly Services Inc. Class B Common Stock KELYB capitalize on this opportunity to offer targeted training and support services to organizations requiring AI fluency?
With 80% of executives citing stalled AI implementation due to a lack of expertise, what potential initiatives could Kelly Services Inc. Class B Common Stock KELYB pursue to address this challenge and drive demand for their services in the competitive labor market?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Kelly Services Inc. Class A Common Stock (NASDAQ: KELYA).
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