Article

Is your organization AI ready?

4 steps to know

4 minutes

March 17, 2026 Adecco

Two people talking at conference table

The push to adopt and embrace AI is growing across every industry. While some employers may still be skeptical of a fully automated workforce, that doesn’t change the fact: AI is becoming critical for improving productivity and creating opportunities for real innovation.

However, the employers who are truly preparing for the future aren’t just experimenting with new technology. They’re putting people at the center of a new world of work.

Research from the Adecco Group shows that only 10% of today’s organizations meet four key criteria that define a future-ready organization. These employers aren’t just reacting to AI, they’re looking ahead to build a structured and sustainable change to their organization.

It starts with a foundation based on four concrete steps, from reshaping their leadership mindset to focusing on career mobility.

1. Prepare leaders for a change

Real change comes from the top down. Yet for AI implementation, only 51% of leaders are confident that their leadership team has sufficient AI skills and knowledge to understand its risks and opportunities, according to the Adecco Group research.

That knowledge gap can lead to uncertainty for workers, who aren’t sure about their long-term futures or how they should be using new technologies. Their managers and leaders need to become champions for AI, implementing change management plans across the business.

2. Commit to skills development

“Wait and see” can often be the right call. But when it comes to AI implementation, there will never be a truly perfect time. Leaders must start preparing their workforces today, so when a new technology becomes essential, they have employees ready to tackle it head on.

At Adecco, we’re able to partner with the Adecco Group US Foundation to offer upskilling and reskilling programs, including the Aspire Academy, offering more than 3,000 free online courses. Through it, associates are able to build technical and AI skills as well as the leadership expertise and soft skills critical for emerging roles.

3. Embrace adaptability and career mobility

Internal mobility might not be the top of the list, but it’s a defining part of a future-ready organization. It’s critical for employers to show employees where there are opportunities for advancement.

It might be that a worker would love to move up the ladder, but they don’t see how to within your team – or they need a little inspiration to see that career advancement is available to them. However, it’s up to employers to create and promote those openings.

4. Take a structured and accountable approach

Lasting innovation doesn’t happen by chance. AI and other emerging technologies have the potential to radically transform the world of work, but leaders can’t sit back to see what comes next.

Successful AI implementation requires structure, whether it’s measuring how AI is used, identifying guidelines for how and when it’s required, or helping workers understand how new tools can fit within their workflow.

To embrace the latest technology – the right way – you need to partner with a staffing solutions provider who can help you look ahead. Download a free copy of the Adecco Group’s Leading in the age of AI: Expectations versus reality, or reach out to your local Adecco contact today to learn more.

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