New global benchmarks reveal that the gap between AI ambition and workforce readiness is wider than most leaders realize.  | July 1, 2026 · Weekly |
|  | AI & Workforce Readiness AI Skills Are Becoming the New Workforce BaselineNew global benchmarks reveal that the gap between AI ambition and workforce readiness is wider than most leaders realize. | | Hello Community, Three numbers stopped us in our tracks this week. | 75% of organizations expect AI proficiency to become a standard requirement for most non-technical roles within the next two years
| | 67% of companies already connect AI skills to promotion decisions
| | 36% believe their managers are actually prepared to develop those capabilities across their teams
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We're asking organizations to become AI-enabled faster than we're preparing leaders to make that transformation happen. This week's featured benchmark report from HiBob dives into where organizations really stand on AI maturity, workforce readiness, leadership capability, and the skills that will matter most over the next few years. It's one of the more thought-provoking pieces of research we've read recently, and well worth your time. Let's dive in. | | Sponsor · HiBob AI Skills Are Becoming the New Workforce Baseline In a global study of 1,200 AI decision-makers, 75% expect moderate AI proficiency to become standard across most non-technical roles within the next 24 months. HiBob published the full findings in a new report, 2026 report: AI maturity benchmarks and where the workforce stands, examining how AI skills are reshaping hiring, performance, promotions, pay, and workforce development. | → 67% of organizations link AI skills to promotion criteria | | → 50% tie AI skills directly to performance ratings | | → Only 36% of leaders say managers are highly prepared to upskill their teams in AI |
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Bottom line: AI transformation can't run on experimentation alone. Organizations need a shared AI skills framework to source, develop, reward, and grow AI capability fairly and at scale. Want to see how your organization compares? | | Featured Article Why AI ROI Remains Elusive for Mid-Market CompaniesOrganizations continue investing heavily in AI, yet many still struggle to generate measurable business value. Why? In our latest LinkedIn Newsletter article, we argue that AI success depends less on the technology itself and more on organizational readiness. Leadership alignment, process maturity, trusted data, workforce capability, and governance ultimately determine whether AI scales — or remains another pilot project. | | Upcoming Workshop MSK: Your Largest Hidden Health Cost – and How to Reduce It 📅 July 14 · 🕐 11:00 AM Eastern Time · 📍 Free & Virtual Office workers spend more than 70% of their workday sitting, and musculoskeletal conditions can account for up to 15% of an employer's healthcare budget. In this workshop led by Simon Fiechtner, Co-Founder of Deep Care, we will explore evidence-based approaches to prevention. You'll learn | → What's driving MSK costs in desk-based workforces | | → Why conventional prevention programs often underperform | | → Practical next steps to reduce preventable costs |
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| | Upcoming Mini Masters & Certificate Programs Level Up Your Skills this SummerMini MastersMicro Certificate ProgramsBootcamps for this Summer | | AI Experience Summit · Wrap-Up Revisit the Best of the AIX SummitIf you missed the panels, or would like to revisit your favorite moments of the AI Experience Summit we wrapped up 10 days ago, now you can: | → Access all post-event recordings, including the workshop Pick Tools. Pick Mindset. Pick Humanity. | | → Download your digital diploma of attendance | | → Download the ebook with key insights and bonus resources | | → Premium & Premium+ members: get your Pearson digital badge + 13.5 HR recertification credits (SHRM, HRCI, IHRIM) |
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