As artificial intelligence reshapes how work gets done, employees are facing growing uncertainty about their future roles. According to Philip Huthwaithe, CEO of learning technology company 5app, while AI is rapidly becoming embedded in business strategy, many workers are being left to navigate the transition on their own.
Recent findings from the 2025 EdAssist by Bright Horizons Education Index show that 42% of employees expect their role to change significantly due to AI within the next year, yet only 17% currently use AI tools frequently, highlighting a significant adoption gap.
Key findings from the 2025 report
The following trends are critical indicators of where employers must act:
- 42% of employees expect significant role changes due to AI in 2026, yet only 17% use AI tools frequently, showing a major adoption gap.
- 34% of workers feel unprepared for AI-driven changes, and 42% say their employer expects them to learn AI on their own, highlighting the lack of structured support.
- 79% of employees feel pressure to learn new skills, with 32% reporting that AI has increased this pressure, up from 26% last year.
- 81% feel pressure to take on more work, while 80% say they must deliver results faster, signalling the need for flexibility and stress reduction.
- Rapid AI adoption without training risks a two-tier workforce: confident, early adopters versus anxious, unsupported employees, which can affect retention, productivity, and morale.
“The slow adoption process is one thing, but there’s also the growing fear among employees that they have to take on more work or deliver faster results, which should cause concern in organizations. That uncertainty can create real stress and anxiety and make it harder for teams to stay engaged and productive,” Huthwaithe said.
“Companies can make a big difference by providing structured opportunities to learn new skills and giving people the guidance and feedback they need to feel confident. It doesn’t have to be complicated,” he added. “Even small investments in learning, coaching, or clear career pathways can help employees feel supported and able to keep up with change. Understanding where employees need help most and creating a culture that encourages practice and learning can go a long way toward reducing anxiety.”
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Tools that track skills in real work, provide learning and coaching, and help businesses see where development is needed make it easier for learning to be a part of everyday work.
“By focusing on practical skill-building and giving employees space to grow, organizations can help people feel ready for AI-driven change and make sure no one is left behind,” Huthwaite said.
5 strategies to help employees feel more supported with AI adoption
1. Embed learning into daily work: Make skill-building part of employees’ regular workflow rather than a separate training event. Short, role-specific learning modules or micro-coaching sessions can help employees practice AI tools in context without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Provide clear roadmaps for role changes: Communicate how roles are expected to evolve due to AI and outline the skills needed to succeed. Employees feel more confident when they understand what is coming and how to prepare for it.
3. Offer structured coaching and mentorship: Pair employees with mentors or coaches who can guide them through AI adoption, answer questions, and provide feedback. This helps reduce uncertainty and builds confidence faster than self-directed learning alone.
4. Measure skills progress and identify gaps: Use data-driven tools to track skill development, including soft skills and AI literacy, so managers can see where employees may need extra support. Regular check-ins based on real insights allow for targeted interventions rather than guessing.
5. Create a safe environment for experimentation: Encourage employees to try new AI tools without fear of failure. Provide sandboxes, simulations, or low-risk projects where they can experiment and learn, helping them develop competence and resilience in a supportive setting.
Photo credit: photoschmidt/iStock
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