Kyndryl Report: Workforce AI Readiness Falls to 23% While Pacesetters Drive 1.5× Revenue Growth
KD•Kyndryl’s second annual People Readiness Report finds only 23% of organizations deem their workforce fully ready for AI, a six-point drop from last year, while 57% embed AI in core processes. The study highlights that 9% of ‘Pacesetter’ firms redesign roles, implement governance and achieve 1.5 times more AI-driven revenue growth.
1. Report Findings
The People Readiness Report surveyed 1,100 senior leaders across eight countries, finding only 23% of organizations deem their workforce fully prepared for AI, down six points from last year. While 57% report AI embedded in core business processes, just 32% have met one of their top two AI objectives and only 11% have met both.
2. Pacesetter Performance
The report identifies a 9% Pacesetters cohort that redesigns roles around AI, implements change management and governance. These firms are 1.5 times more likely to report AI-driven revenue growth and 1.6 times more likely to achieve innovation in products and services.
3. Workforce Readiness Trends
Leaders indicate 79% believe AI advancement will outpace existing workforce skills, governance and operating models. Additionally, 81% expect autonomous AI agents to make impactful decisions within a year, yet only 25% fully trust systems operating without human oversight.
4. Recommended Actions
Key actions for preparedness include redesigning roles—61% have adjusted job functions and 24% are creating AI management roles—addressing skills gaps, as 52% report hiring challenges and one-third run specialized training, and building trust through governance with 33% defining clear AI decision policies and 27% monitoring all AI systems.
