Mind the gap: Closing the AI skills divide to unlock business value

Business Journals

6 days ago

AI adoption is surging across industries as companies race to implement intelligent solutions that boost productivity, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. In fact, one recent study revealed that the percentage of businesses deploying AI for at least one function jumped from 55% in 2023 to a stunning 78% in 2025. This breakneck pace shows no signs of slowing, but it also masks a major obstacle standing in the way of long-term success: employee training.
Far too often, the enthusiasm for AI outpaces the ability of organizations to prepare their workforce for it. Tools may be purchased, platforms integrated, and algorithms deployed, but without the right people equipped to use them, ROI suffers. Deloitte recently reported that 57% of organizations cite inadequate employee skillsets as the top barrier to successful AI integration. It's a sizable gap, and it's growing.
The dual challenge: Transformation meets talent shortage
AI transformation presents technical challenges: hardware upgrades, cloud migration, network augmentation, and the integration of complex systems. But the human side of the equation is just as critical. AI doesn't deliver value unless it's properly wielded by trained employees who understand how to prompt, interpret, and collaborate with it.
Yet many companies hesitate to invest in upskilling due to the additional costs and time commitments. This is understandable—but short-sighted. A holistic approach to AI deployment must include talent development. Otherwise, the benefits promised by AI, efficiency, insight, and innovation, may remain frustratingly out of reach.
Look inward, not just outward
Hiring AI specialists may seem like a logical solution. However, the market for top-tier talent is already stretched thin. Bain & Co. estimates that while demand for AI-specific roles may exceed 1.3 million jobs over the next two years, only around 645,000 candidates will be available to fill them. The competition will be fierce, and expensive.
Rather than relying solely on external hires, organizations should look within. Upskilling existing employees offers several advantages: it's often more cost-effective, preserves institutional knowledge, and fosters loyalty by investing in internal growth. More importantly, it aligns with the foundational idea behind AI: empowering human workers, not replacing them.
5 roles most likely to be impacted by AI
While AI's reach is broad, these departments are poised for the biggest shifts:
Operations: Automation of repetitive tasks, predictive workflows, and real-time monitoring.
Marketing: Customer data analysis, personalized campaigns, and A/B testing.
Customer support: Intelligent chatbots, response routing, and sentiment tracking.
IT: System optimization, real-time monitoring, code generation, and security flagging.
Analytics: Advanced data modeling, forecasting, and dashboard generation.
Training initiatives focused on these areas can yield significant returns, both in operational efficiency and employee engagement.
Critical skillsets for AI collaboration
Upskilling doesn't mean every employee must become a machine learning engineer. But they do need foundational literacy and practical tools. Here's where to start:
Basic AI concepts: Definitions, capabilities, and common misconceptions.
Prompt engineering: Crafting effective queries to generate accurate responses.
Data literacy: Understanding input quality and interpreting AI-generated insights.
Automation triggers & workflow design: Creating responsive, flexible systems.
No-code tools & systems thinking: Empowering non-technical teams to build smart processes.
Oversight & critical thinking: Applying human judgment to ensure ethical and accurate outcomes.
Training should emphasize collaboration between human insight and machine intelligence, reinforcing that AI augments, and depends on, human expertise.
Bridging the divide: Effective upskilling strategies
Closing the skills gap requires tailored approaches suited to your workforce and operational demands:
Internal bootcamps: Fast-track learning for employees working directly with AI systems.
Peer-led 'AI champions': Empower advocates within your organization to lead adoption efforts.
Microlearning modules: Short, digestible lessons for busy teams with limited training time.
Executive buy-in & modeling: Leadership must not only endorse AI but demonstrate its use.
Culture plays a critical role. When employees understand AI's potential and see leaders using it effectively, resistance fades and adoption flourishes.
The smart way forward
AI has enormous potential, but to fully realize it, businesses must invest in the people who power it. Tools alone aren't enough. As organizations strive to integrate AI across operations, the real differentiator will be how well their teams are equipped to collaborate with it.
Cox Business can help lead the way - empowering your teams with the infrastructure, insights, and training support needed to adopt AI with confidence. From secure networks and cloud platforms to digital learning solutions, Cox Business delivers AI-ready connectivity with a human-first focus. Ready to prepare your staff for the future of work? Contact Cox Business today.