Building a Strong Foundation: The Importance of AI Literacy and Continuous Education

In workplaces across the United States, employees are facing significant changes in how they operate due to the increasing importance of AI literacy in business strategies. This shift is reshaping job roles and expectations, leading to higher workloads and added pressure.

A recent study conducted by The Harris Poll has identified three key areas that will define the future of work and talent: continuous education, enhanced flexibility, and AI literacy. Companies that heavily invest in educational benefits and AI training are gaining a competitive edge.

Priya Krishnan, Chief Transformation Officer at Bright Horizons, emphasized the impact of AI on job descriptions, stating that employers who prioritize education benefits and AI training now will build resilient and innovative teams.

The Growing Demand for AI Skills Amid Increasing Workloads

According to the 2025 EdAssist by Bright Horizons Education Index, 42% of American employees anticipate significant changes in their roles due to AI in the next year, even though only 17% currently use AI frequently. The focus is not just on AI adoption but on the urgent need for new skills that AI has brought about.

Employees feel pressured to upskill to stay competitive, with 32% experiencing increased pressure to learn new skills because of AI. This demand for upskilling coincides with heightened workforce stress, as 81% of employees report taking on more work and 80% feeling the need to deliver faster results.

While AI has the potential to alleviate some of this pressure, effective guidance and training are essential for employees to leverage it successfully. The study reveals that AI technology adoption increases to 76% when employers offer AI training. Workers who receive training (84%) feel more prepared for upcoming changes than those without training (48%). Proper training transforms uncertainty into confidence.

Despite the growing importance of AI, 34% of respondents feel unprepared for AI-driven changes, and 42% believe their employers expect them to enhance their AI understanding without formal training.

Priya Krishnan reiterated the rapid evolution of job descriptions due to AI and emphasized the importance of investing in education benefits and AI literacy to bridge skill gaps and foster innovation within organizations.

The Impact of Education Benefits on Retention and Readiness

The EdIndex underscores the benefits of investing in employee education for both individuals and companies. However, financial barriers remain a significant concern, with many employees citing fear of student debt as a deterrent to further education.

The skills gap is not just about technology; it also involves access and affordability. Nearly half of employees surveyed avoid further education due to concerns about student debt. This highlights the need for affordable employer-sponsored learning programs that enable career advancement.

Employees value education support, with 85% expressing loyalty to employers who invest in continuing education. Additionally, 86% prefer job opportunities that offer educational support over those that do not.

Employer support for learning is deemed crucial by 82% of respondents, with 29% considering it essential for their job. Moreover, 74% would exhibit greater loyalty to an employer who helps pay off their student loans, demonstrating how financial assistance drives loyalty, retention, and ROI.

More than half of survey participants are inclined to stay with a company that offers AI training or certification. Furthermore, 76% actively use AI when provided with training, compared to only 25% without formal training.

Predictions for 2026

The report anticipates five significant shifts for 2026 and advises employers to prepare accordingly. AI literacy is projected to become vital in the workplace as automation impacts a wide range of jobs. Companies should establish AI training programs and ongoing support to boost employee confidence in using new tools.

Upskilling will offer a competitive edge to both employers and employees, with organizations that invest in technical and soft skills better positioned for future innovation.

Flexible education benefits will be crucial for retaining employees, as workers seek financial support to overcome barriers to learning. Employers offering debt-free programs and tuition assistance will attract and retain top talent.

Continuous learning will become a cornerstone of workplace environments, necessitating clear career pathways and personalized learning plans to support employee growth.

Work-life balance is expected to play a significant role, with companies blending education benefits, flexibility, and well-being support to reduce stress and maintain a loyal workforce.

Pressures and Challenges

While job satisfaction remains high at 87%, workers face ongoing pressure, with 78% performing tasks beyond their main role. Priorities are shifting, with a growing emphasis on work-life balance and stress reduction, reflecting the changing landscape of employee needs.

Although employees feel somewhat prepared for evolving job roles, confidence diminishes when considering AI’s impact, with only 66% feeling ready for the certain changes AI will bring. While AI can streamline certain tasks, its presence also contributes to workplace stress.

The 2025 EdAssist report advises employers to embed skill development opportunities, AI training, short-form learning, and debt-conscious benefits into their talent strategy to future-proof their business and stay ahead of the competition.

(Image source: “HMS St Albans’ Ship’s Company conduct a training day in the Plymouth exercise areas” by Royal Navy Media Archive is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.)

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