Companies are struggling to find talent to ensure their workforce remains competitive in an AI-driven world of work, according to a new report released this week by the global tech training firm, General Assembly.
That survey, conducted in partnership with Wakefield Research, sourced insights from over 1,000 HR leaders that are hiring for software engineering, data analytics, and user experience (UX) roles who can utilize AI technology and tools.
“Companies are entering a new era — one that requires their workforce to not just master AI tools available on the market today, but also respond quickly to the rapid evolution of generative AI,” said Gretchen Jacobi, Head of Enterprise at General Assembly.
“Keeping up, and staying ahead of the curve requires new, adaptable methods for hiring, retaining, and reskilling workers. The companies that succeed in this changing world of work will be the ones that embrace the potential of new approaches to training and talent development to navigate the age of AI.”
Key findings in “The State of Tech Talent 2024” released April 16 include:
- AI skills are in high demand as 69% of HR leaders say it’s more challenging to hire people with adequate AI skills compared to those in traditionally hard-to-hire roles in data analytics, data science, software engineering, and UX design.
- Companies are having to pay more to acquire the tech talent they seek. According to the survey, 66% of the time companies pay whatever job candidates ask for.
- More than half (52%) of companies surveyed spend at least $10,000 to fill roles that require AI skills.
- Companies are utilizing alternatives to finding and hiring talent: 53% are reducing traditional educational requirements for open positions and 52% are hiring additional HR staff to acquire talent.
Hannah Calhoon, Head of AI Innovation at Indeed, said hiring for many types of jobs and across many industries is challenging because the process takes too long. However, AI is enabling significant improvements to make the process simpler and faster, she said.
“To ensure that workers can experience the benefits of AI once they secure a job, it’s more important than ever to embrace new approaches to upskilling and reskilling,” Calhoon said. “Workers at any level and from a wide range of professional backgrounds can successfully adapt to AI-driven changes that will impact all industries.”
