Companies Reskill Workers to Boost Productivity as AI Reshapes Jobs
Companies facing tight labor markets are investing in employee education and career development to maintain output as AI transforms work. Workers who participate in these programs advance faster and stay longer, new data shows.
Charter Communications, which employs more than 90,000 people, launched a tuition-free education benefit in 2023 through Guild, an education benefits platform. About 13% of Charter's workforce has enrolled or completed courses, mostly in frontline, customer-facing roles.
Employees who used the program were promoted at a 20% higher rate than peers and were 19% more likely to remain with the company, according to Charter data.
"The more somebody is with us and working hard and growing and developing, the more they're going to be committed to the customer experience," said Paul Marchand, chief human resources officer at Charter. "Ultimately, that's our business goal."
Building Career Paths Matters
Bijal Shah, CEO of Guild, said reskilling is essential because companies need their best people to stay and perform at the highest level. "Employers and leaders are being asked to do more with less, and that means you need each person inside of your organization to be the best possible version of themselves," Shah said.
The key is creating clear career ladders within organizations. Workers who see advancement opportunities feel more engaged and committed.
Marchand noted that employees previously viewing their role as "just a job" now see themselves as part of a team with a pathway forward. "Now they feel engagement, they feel empowered, and they feel like there's a pathway for them," he said.
Resilience Requires Investment
Disruptions like AI require workforces to adapt quickly. Companies that invest in helping employees evolve their skills gain a competitive advantage.
Shah said workers willing to invest in themselves, stay with employers, and build new competencies are increasingly valuable. "You're starting to see employers grapple with this, and then ask themselves, 'What can I do to help my workforce keep up with what's required?'"
For HR leaders implementing these strategies, understanding how to structure talent development programs and track outcomes is critical. AI for CHROs (Chief Human Resources Officers) covers workforce strategy and talent management in an AI-driven economy.
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