The AI Skills Gap at Work
Oct 28, 2025
The AI Skills Gap at Work
A recent EY survey of 1,148 U.S. desk workers reveals a clear challenge in AI adoption. While employees are eager to learn, most are doing it without structured guidance. Enthusiasm is high, but so is uncertainty.
Learning Without Support
The survey found that 85% of desk workers are learning how to use AI agents in their own time, and 83% say their knowledge is mostly self-taught. Employees are exploring tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini outside of work hours because they know AI skills are becoming essential.
This self-motivation is impressive but also concerning. Without proper training, employees risk misunderstanding how to apply AI safely and effectively in their roles.
The Confidence Gap
More than half of all employees, 54%, feel they are falling behind their peers in using AI. Among non-managers, that number rises to 61%, compared to 48% for managers. This difference shows that those closer to decision-making have more access to AI knowledge, while frontline workers are often left behind.
Without structured learning, the gap between confident and unsure users grows wider over time, creating uneven adoption across teams.
Where Organisations Fall Short
EY’s findings point to missing fundamentals. Many organisations lack a clear strategy, consistent training, and open communication about AI. Employees want to understand how AI fits into their work, what tools they should use, and what rules they need to follow.
When this clarity is missing, some workers overuse AI without understanding its risks, while others avoid it altogether. Both reactions slow adoption and reduce the value AI can bring.
Building Knowledge from Within
AI Champions can help bridge this gap by creating learning opportunities and open discussions. They can:
Demonstrate real examples of AI improving work processes
Run internal workshops and share practical guides
Gather team feedback and relay it to leadership
Make AI learning part of everyday work, not an after-hours task
This approach helps employees feel supported and confident while keeping AI use aligned with company goals.
Final Thought
AI adoption cannot depend on personal initiative alone. Employees should not have to teach themselves complex tools in their free time. Organisations that offer structured learning and clear communication will build stronger, more capable teams ready to make AI part of their everyday work.
