segment of business leaders who worry about economic uncertainty
or a downturn in the
next 12 months
For more insights from leaders redefining workforce resilience, visit EY.com.
year-over-year decrease in VC investment
in 2023, the lowest level in four years
overhang of existing
VC-backed startups that continues to impact the investing landscape
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In an era marked by constant disruption—economic, political, technological—building a resilient and adaptable workforce has become a strategic imperative for employers. At the same time, as AI transforms industries and redefines roles, both established business leaders and budding entrepreneurs must learn to strike a balance between harnessing its potential and empowering their employees. A holistic, people-centric approach is the way forward—one that looks beyond mere technological capabilities to understand how AI can elevate the employee experience and shape the future of work.
“To truly harness the power of AI, we need robust learning and development strategies that go beyond technical skills. Just as crucial is addressing the widening gap in ‘human durable skills’—the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and lead with empathy.”
—Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas Vice Chair, Talent
AI at work
As AI permeates industries, its impact is being felt by workers at all levels. For entrepreneurs, this technology is seen as essential to business growth because it has the power to fundamentally reorient the way teams work by automating routine duties and allowing employees to tackle more important tasks. But according to leaders at EY, inherently human abilities, such as critical thinking, are far from losing relevance—instead, they are the key to a truly effective, resilient workforce.
With AI upending traditional workplace dynamics, employees are understandably wondering what it all means for them. Yet, amid the uncertainty, there’s evidence that a new generation of workers is optimistic about the technology’s potential to enhance productivity and create growth opportunities—a mindset that business leaders must embrace by recognizing that AI, while disruptive, is also a powerful tool for developing the skills needed to succeed in the modern world.
Embracing the shift
In the face of rapid technological change, it’s easy to get caught up in the race to adopt the latest tools and platforms. But the key to building a resilient business lies in prioritizing people. By investing in their employees’ needs and professional aspirations, business leaders can navigate the challenges of the AI era with greater agility and success.
Putting humans at the center
Thriving in a time of constant change demands a leadership mentality that puts people first. By championing employee well-being, creating space for experimentation and growth, and fostering psychological safety, leaders can build the resilience needed to navigate disruption—whether driven by
AI or other forces.
Building a workforce that thrives in the age of AI
“As we navigate this new landscape, skills such as strategic thinking and systems thinking are more crucial than ever. Uniquely human capabilities such as these will enable us to harness the full potential of AI.”
—Heidi Grant, Ph.D., Social Psychologist, EY Americas Director
of Research and Development in Learning
“AI has the power to be a great equalizer in the workplace. When we bring in workers who may be perceived as having lower skills, provide them with AI tools, and invest in their on-the-job trainings, they can achieve the same level of proficiency as their higher skilled counterparts within just a few months.”
—Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas Vice Chair, Talent
“In the age of AI, being a values-based company that invests in initiatives, not because they are the most popular thing at the time but because they are in service to your consumers and employees, will be key to longevity.”
—Monica Turner, President, North America, Procter & Gamble
“Organizations that prioritize well-being don’t just outperform financially; they also see higher levels of customer satisfaction and innovation. Investing in your employees’ well-being isn’t just a nice thing to do. It’s a smart business strategy backed by data.”
—Frank Giampietro, EY Americas Chief Well-Being Officer
How to cultivate a resilient workplace in 4 steps:
Actively support employee mental health and work-life balance.
1
Identify skills gaps and invest in targeted,
AI-powered learning and development programs.
2
Create a culture of trust, psychological safety, and inclusion.
3
Use workforce data to inform talent strategies
and measure progress.
4
of business leaders say their biggest AI impact will be reskilling employees.
SOURCE: “How boards can champion a resilient talent strategy,” EY
55
%
of employees share this confidence.
58
%
SOURCE: “How boards can champion a resilient talent strategy,” EY
of employers believe they can adapt and build skills for evolving needs.
80
%
SOURCE: “How boards can champion a resilient talent strategy,” EY
of employees have a net-positive view on AI’s ability to help them focus on higher value work.
36
%
SOURCE: “How can a rebalance of power help
re-energize your workforce?” EY
SOURCE: “How US entrepreneurs are navigating the economy and pursuing growth,” EY
of women entrepreneurs have established AI systems and their teams are fluent in their use.
%
45
SOURCE: “Will the future of talent be shaped by the flow of an untethered workforce?” EY
of employees feel AI will positively affect productivity.
%
53
SOURCE: “Will the future of talent be shaped by the flow of an untethered workforce?” EY
of AI users say employers’ learning and development programs are above average or excellent.
%
58
SOURCE: “EY Entrepreneur Ecosystem Barometer,” EY
of employees cite productivity as the top reason for implementing AI.
%
61
SOURCE: “Will the future of talent be shaped by the flow of an untethered workforce?” EY
of employees say AI allows them to focus on higher value work.
%
52
SOURCE: “How GenAI will impact the labor market,” EY
of U.S. jobs are
highly or moderately exposed to AI.
%
66
SOURCE: “Will the future of talent be shaped by the flow of an untethered workforce?” EY
of employees use AI
in their daily work.
%
75
SOURCE: “How US entrepreneurs are navigating the economy and pursuing growth,” EY
of entrepreneurs
are actively implementing AI.
%
94
Creating a future-ready workforce
