Across the US, workers are experiencing a seismic shift in workplace operations as AI literacy becomes a core part of business strategies. This is redefining roles and expectations, while workloads continue to increase and pressure intensifies.
As the employment landscape transforms, it has become clear that the future of work and talent will be defined by three main areas – continuous education, greater flexibility, and AI literacy. This is according to new research conducted by The Harris Poll, who discovered that employers who invest heavily in educational benefits and AI development gain key advantages.
Priya Krishnan, Chief Transformation Officer, Bright Horizons, said, “AI is rewriting job descriptions fast… employers who invest in education benefits and AI training now will build resilient, innovative teams.”
AI skills demand heightens with workloads
According to the 2025 EdAssist by Bright Horizons Education Index, 42% of US employees are expecting AI to significantly change their role over the next year, despite only 17% actively using AI on a frequent basis. However, the report revealed that the increased adoption of AI is not the key talking point – it’s the urgent skills mandate AI has triggered.
Workers now feel they have to evolve to remain competitive, with 32% feeling increased pressure to learn new skills because of AI, an increase from 26% in 2024. The demand for upskilling comes as workforce stress hits new heights. For instance, 81% of employees report being pushed to take on greater workloads, and 80% stated they are expected to deliver work faster.
AI has the ability to reduce some of this strain, but without proper guidance and training, employees will struggle to use it effectively. The report found that the adoption of AI technology rises to 76% when employers provide AI training, while workers who have access to training (84%) reported feeling more prepared for potential changes than those without (48%). Essentially, effective training turns uncertainty into confidence.
Ultimately, 34% of those surveyed said they feel unprepared for changes driven by AI, and 42% said their employers expected them to develop their understanding of AI alone, without any formal training.
“AI is rewriting job descriptions faster than most organisations can keep up,” said Priya Krishnan, Chief Transformation Officer at Bright Horizons. “Employers who act now will not only close important 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.”
Education benefits drive retention and readiness
The EdIndex highlights how investing in employee education can pay off, both for employees and employers. However, challenges are still present, with a key concern being financial barriers.
According to the report, the skills gap is not simply about technology, it’s about “access and affordability.” 48% of employees surveyed said they avoid further education, citing the “fear of student debt” as the main reason. 34% reported that they cannot afford any more student loan debt, therefore curtailing any career advancement and blocking opportunities. The underscores the need for affordable, employer-sponsored learning programmes that allow employees the chance to progress.
Employees highly value education support, with 85% reporting that they would be more loyal to employers that invest in continuing education. 86% said they would choose a job that offers such opportunities over one that doesn’t.
82% believe employer support for learning is crucial, while 29% aid it is essential for their job. In addition, 74% said they would be more loyal to an employer if they helped pay off their student loans, further emphasising how the alleviation of financial obstacles drives loyalty and retention, as well as ROI for employers.
Over half (55%) of respondents are more likely to remain with a company if AI training or certification is available, and 76% actively use AI when training has been provided, compared to only 25% without formal training.
2026 predictions
Looking ahead to 2026, the report highlights five key shifts and how employers can start preparing now. First, the report predicts AI literacy will become essential in the workplace as automation affects almost all jobs. Therefore, companies need to develop AI training programmes and ongoing support that enable employees to feel confident when using new tools.
Secondly, upskilling is set to give employers and employees a significant competitive advantage. Organisations that invest heavily in both technical and soft skills will be better equipped for innovation and adaption going forward.
Third, flexible education benefits will be key to ensuring employee retention. Workers are increasingly seeking employers who provide financial support and remove financial barriers that limit their learning, so those who offer certain “perks,” like debt-free programmes and tuition support will be more likely to attract and retain talent.
The fourth major prediction is how continuous learning will become a key component of workplace environments. With roles evolving, the report says employers must set clear career pathways with personalised learning plans that help their employees grow.
Finally, work-life balance is expected to play a huge role. Companies that blend education benefits with flexibility and well-being support that reduces stress have a higher chance of maintaining a loyal workforce.
Pressure remains
Although career satisfaction appears high at 87%, workers are under continuing pressure, with 78% feeling pushed to perform tasks outside their main role. As a result, priorities are shifting quickly. While earning a raise remains an important factor with 57% naming it a key priority, work-life balance (43%) and stress reduction (35%) are surging, rising sharply from 2024’s numbers of 35% and 29% respectively.
While 90% say they feel somewhat prepared as their job role evolves, this confidence drops when AI is brought into the equation, as just 66% feel ready for AI’s certain impact. AI may be easing some areas of work, but its presence is also rising workplace pressure.
The 2025 EdAssist report suggests, “The employers who act now by embedding skill development opportunities, AI training, short-form learning, and debt-conscious benefits into their talent strategy will future-proof their business and avoid being left behind as the competition for skills intensifies.” Only when employers take these steps can they build a workforce capable of sustaining long-term growth and navigating the changes that lie ahead.
(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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