As AI and analytics transform industries, upskilling workforces presents practical challenges, with 46% of leaders citing skill gaps as a barrier, per McKinsey’s 2025 report.
This HR Spotlight article compiles insights from business leaders and HR professionals on preparing for these hurdles.
Experts highlight resistance to change, fear of job displacement, and integrating AI into workflows as key issues.
They stress tailored training, fostering psychological safety, and aligning tools with business goals to bridge gaps.
By addressing data access, ethical concerns, and cultural shifts, leaders can empower employees, ensuring sustainable AI adoption and enhanced productivity in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer, HR Acuity shared her thoughts:
“As HR leaders, one of our biggest priorities is helping our people leaders reskill and upskill their team members. Many are excited by AI’s potential; yet, some challenges and concerns remain.
Fear of job displacement, lack of understanding, concerns about privacy and bias. Knowing these sensitivities, organizations that are adopting AI have to remember that trust and transparency are just as critical as training.
That means involving your employees from the start, allowing them to help shape how AI is used. Making sure that they understand how AI is an enhancement not a replacement.
And setting clear policies on how tools are used and what data is collected.”
