Why UK Businesses Must Rethink Learning to Build Human Skills for the AI Era

UK Companies Must Rethink Learning to Meet AI’s Human Skills Demand

UK businesses are facing a clear challenge: how to effectively develop the “human skills” needed to thrive alongside AI. A recent survey of 1,000 UK business decision makers reveals that traditional learning methods aren’t cutting it. Companies need fresh, engaging approaches that resonate with employees and push performance forward.

Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever

The survey highlights that 71% of organisations see AI as valuable, and 67% agree that skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation are essential in an AI-driven workplace. These human skills complement AI, helping teams adapt and innovate rather than just automate.

Challenges in Engaging Employees

However, enthusiasm for workplace learning is low. Over a third (35%) of employees feel worn out and less effective due to constant change, with women more affected (40%) than men (31%). This fatigue creates a barrier to motivating staff to embrace new skills.

Gender and Age Influence Learning Preferences

• Women tend to seek learning inspiration from colleagues (17%) more than men (12%).
• Men are more likely to explore the Internet for learning ideas (22%) compared to women (18%).
• Older employees (45+) prefer specialist learning providers as their main source.
• Younger groups (25-44) lean toward online resources from big tech companies for upskilling.

These differences mean one-size-fits-all learning won’t work. Companies must customize how they deliver training to fit varied preferences.

Rising Anxiety Around AI and Job Security

Almost 30% of workers feel more anxious about AI’s impact on jobs this year than before, with women (32%) reporting higher anxiety than men (26%). This fear can slow down efforts to reskill teams, especially when motivation is already fragile.

Leadership is split on how to tackle workforce development:

• 36% prioritize improving employee skills.
• 30% focus on workforce performance strategies.
• 21% agree on performance strategies but haven’t implemented them yet.

Creative Learning Approaches Are Emerging

Despite challenges, some UK firms are finding success by mixing online and in-person learning—28% say this blend yields the best results. Other approaches include on-the-job learning (17%) and using AI tools like ChatGPT (13%).

These findings point to the need for learning that’s interactive, relevant, and varied enough to engage different employee groups.

What This Means for Creatives

If you work in a creative role, you’re at the intersection of AI technology and human ingenuity. Developing strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive skills will keep you valuable in this landscape. Seek out learning opportunities that combine digital tools with real-world collaboration. Tailoring your growth to your preferences and needs will help you stay ahead.

For those looking to boost their human skills alongside AI tools, platforms offering blended courses and AI-assisted training can be a smart move. Explore options like the latest AI courses to find programs that suit your style and career goals.

Final Thoughts

UK companies must rethink how they engage employees in learning to meet the demands of the AI era. This means delivering creative, tailored, and motivating training that respects different learning styles and addresses anxiety around AI’s impact. For creatives, embracing these “human skills” is key to thriving alongside AI-powered work.