Adecco Talks: How AI transforms your workforce

Thriving in the AI era

AI has opened a new window of opportunity, casting light on how jobs can evolve without disappearing.

However, without guidance that opportunity is lost. Employers must provide clarity and give workers a purpose amid this transformation. Workers need to understand how their new freed-up time will create a measurable impact, and they need to be encouraged to take on a more strategic role.

The Adecco Group recently launched its annual global study on how AI is reshaping work, productivity, and workforce expectations. Titled “Humanity at Work: How to thrive in the AI era,” this Global Workforce of the Future report surveyed 37,500 workers across 31 countries and 21 countries.

The good news

• 77% of workers say AI allows them to perform tasks that they couldn’t do beforehand
• 60% say AI has changed the activities they carry out at work
• 62% say that AI has changed the skills that are required for their roles
• 82% think their skills are currently in high demand

The bad news

• 53% of those who never feel a strong sense of purpose plan to leave their employers within the next 12 months
• 64% believe their value is in their current skills, rather than previous experience
• 66% believe they have a clear understanding of the skills they need in five years

Setting expectations

Workers say they use this free time for more strategic thinking, time to check quality and accuracy, and also training and upskilling. At the bottom of their list? Those mundane, less interesting tasks.

To set the right expectations, employers should focus on:

• Clear communication of AI’s role and strategic priorities
• Defined pathways for high-value use of freed-up time
• Targeted upskilling aligned with business objectives

For stronger retention, it’s essential to position AI as a tool that complements, enhances, and augments human efforts, ultimately empowering your workforce.

That’s because employees who have a strong sense of purpose are far more likely to stay. According to the Adecco Group’s report: 99% plan to remain for the next 12 months compared to just 53% who lack purpose.

Meanwhile, 33% of workers will stay with their employer for the next 12 months under the condition that their career progression has increased significantly, so employers shouldn’t wait.

How can employers navigate an AI-transformed environment?

• Educate your workforce with a clear view of AI supporting your organization’s priorities
• Define business objectives clearly so individuals can play a part in achieving them
• Guide workers toward new, value-adding capabilities so they don’t invest in the wrong areas
• Communicate strategic priorities and AI’s role clearly
• Define high-value pathways for freed-up time
• Enable targeted upskilling aligned with business objectives 

Ready to activate your workforce potential? Download the Adecco Group’s Global Workforce of the Future report today.

Jobs report update

• The unemployment rate rose to a four-year high, even as 64,000 jobs were added in November, underscoring a cooling labor market
• Only partial employment numbers were released for October, showing that the labor market lost 105,000 jobs
• Federal government jobs fell by 162,000 in October and 6,000 in November, likely due to deferred layoffs from early 2025
• This latest report is missing several data points for October, including the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate

Tapping into the Adecco Group

Our parent company, the Adecco Group, is one of the world’s largest staffing solutions providers – and our US clients see the advantages, whether it’s tapping into their international expertise or working with one of our sister brands LHH and Akkodis.

Don’t forget to download the Global Workforce of the Future today.