With contributions from:
David Reed, Data IQ
Kemi Akinboro, Corndel
Caroline Carruthers, Carruthers and Jackson
Jake O’Gorman, Corndel
Foreword:
As automation and generative AI accelerate change, the demand for human and technical skills is outpacing many organisations' ability to adapt. Flexible working, the drive for sustainability and rapid advances in AI and technology are transforming the workplace at a dizzying speed, leaving workers struggling to keep up. Although some people have a natural aptitude for change, today’s workforce is increasingly dissatisfied, anxious, and less productive.
While 67% of executives cite geopolitical instability as the greatest threat to growth, our evidence reveals real dangers lie closer to home: falling morale and low productivity, with failing morale and low productivity damaging many organisation's ability to succeed. 82% of HR leaders report their organisations are experiencing change fatigue, and 1 in 2 employees feel workplace anxiety at least once a week. This is a significant obstacle to growth. Without the skills and resilience needed to manage, organisations risk falling behind.
AI readiness presents another challenge:
of HR leaders claim their organisations offer AI training, only
of employees report having received it
Additionally, 52% of executives have never used AI tools, while 71% of middle managers actively leverage AI in their daily tasks. This gap in AI adoption threatens to stall growth and competitiveness.
The stakes are high: 77% of HR leaders plan to increase training budgets in 2025, highlighting the strategic importance of skills development. Employees agree: 64% say access to upskilling opportunities is critical in deciding whether to stay with their employer. Forward-thinking organisations recognise the opportunity. By investing in human and technical skills, prioritising employee retention strategies, and embedding well-being into their workforce, they can retain talent, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth.
Our Workplace Training Report 2025 offers a roadmap for navigating these challenges. It moves beyond diagnosis to provide actionable strategies for creating a resilient, future-ready workforce. By aligning training with strategic goals and embedding critical change skills into their organisational DNA, leaders can create workplaces that succeed.
In the context of rapid change, there is also great opportunity for growth. In 2025, the companies that invest in their people, foster resilience, and use training as a lever for transformation will thrive and succeed.
Research partner:
This report sets out the findings of research conducted by Opinium in partnership with Corndel. This research was conducted online among:
- 250 HR decision-makers at enterprise UK businesses (1000+ employees)
- 1000 UK employees at UK businesses at enterprise UK businesses (1000+ employees)
This research took place between 12 November - 22 November 2024
Opinium is an award-winning strategic insight agency chiefly known for its full-service market research and consultancy work.
Executive summary:
AI represents a generation-defining opportunity to transform businesses and the economy, but can a workforce at tipping point unlock its potential?
Productivity crash imminent
The world in which AI is being introduced is already suffering significant change fatigue. Employees are burned out and anxious, with productivity issues limiting their ability to embrace new ways of working. Many organisations are pushing forward with AI strategies, but confidence in their readiness is low—only 44% of employees believe their organisation is prepared.
While 97% of HR leaders claim to provide AI training, only 39% of employees report receiving it. Leadership readiness remains inconsistent—70% of middle managers are using AI tools daily, but 52% of executives have never used them. The disconnect between leadership strategies and workforce experience continues to widen. At the same time, more than 80% of HR leaders report their organisations are experiencing change fatigue, and workplace anxiety is widespread, affecting one in two HR leaders and employees weekly. AI adoption risks widening existing skill and productivity gaps rather than solving them.
of HR leaders report providing AI training, only 39% of employees say they’ve received AI-specific training.
of HR leaders report their organisations are experiencing change fatigue
of executives have never used AI tools, compared to 71% of middle managers who actively leverage them in daily tasks.
HR leaders and employees feel workplace anxiety weekly
Training systems buffering
The task of readying the workforce to transform is further affected by a lack of leadership readiness and significant gaps in perception around skills training, particularly in data literacy, with 65% of employees receiving no data training in the past year, a gap that extends across all levels, including executives (72%) and unskilled workers (74%).
Despite these gaps, there are positive signs of organisational commitment to workforce development. Training budgets are increasing, with 77% of HR leaders planning to expand investment in skills training and nearly a third committing to increases of over 26%. AI and digital skills remain a priority, with 80% of HR leaders focusing on technical training and 74% prioritising human skills like leadership and adaptability. The Apprenticeship Levy is also being used more effectively, particularly for upskilling in technology (80%), data (79%), and leadership (70%).
However, without a cohesive, strategic approach, these investments risk remaining fragmented, failing to build the sustained capability and agility that businesses need to navigate AI-driven change. Embedding training within a broader workforce strategy that ensures accessibility, relevance, and long-term impact is essential to addressing the real barriers to readiness and transformation.
of employees receiving no data training in the past year
of HR leaders plan to increase training budgets
The Apprenticeship Levy being used for upskilling in tech (80%), data (79%), and leadership (70%)
The way forward
To ensure AI adoption and workforce development are successful, organisations must act decisively in six key areas:
Enhance AI leadership readiness
Upskill leaders in AI fundamentals and change skills to drive transformation and inspire trust.
Close critical skills gaps
Prioritise training in technical, human, and data skills to build a future-ready workforce.
Combat change fatigue
Equip employees and leaders with change management training to improve adaptability and reduce disruption.
Embed well-being strategies
Scale mental health initiatives and management training to reduce workplace anxiety and improve morale.
Leverage apprenticeships
Maximise the Apprenticeship Levy to develop critical skills in technology, data, and leadership.
Boost productivity
Address workload imbalances, streamline processes, and empower managers to optimise team performance.
The Workplace Training Report 2025 highlights the urgent need for organisations to adapt their training and development strategies in response to pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. By aligning training investments with broader business goals, companies can cultivate a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce.
For detailed strategic recommendations, refer to the full report.