Across the United States, workers are experiencing significant changes in the way their workplaces operate as AI literacy becomes central to business strategies. This redefines roles and expectations, while workloads continue to increase and pressures increase.
As the employment landscape changes, it has become clear that the future of work and talent will be defined by three key areas: continuing education, increased flexibility, and AI literacy. This is according to a new study conducted by Harris Poll, which found that employers who invest heavily in education benefits and AI development reap important benefits.
“AI is rapidly rewriting job descriptions,” said Priya Krishnan, chief transformation officer at Bright Horizons. “Employers who invest in education benefits and AI training now will build resilient, innovative teams.”
Demand for AI skills increases with workloads
According to the 2025 EdAssist Bright Horizons Education Index, 42% of U.S. employees expect AI to significantly change their roles over the next year, despite only 17% actively using AI frequently. However, the report reveals that the increased adoption of AI is not the key talking point, but rather the urgent skills mandate driven by AI.
Employees now feel they need to evolve to stay competitive, with 32% feeling increased pressure to learn new skills due to AI, up from 26% in 2024. As employee stress reaches new heights, the demand for upskilling is increasing. For example, 81% of employees report being pressured to take on a greater workload, and 80% say they are expected to get their work done faster.
AI has the ability to alleviate some of this burden, but without proper guidance and training, employees will struggle to use AI effectively. The report found that adoption of AI technology increases to 76% when employers provide AI training, and workers who receive training (84%) report feeling more prepared for potential changes than those who do not (48%). Essentially, effective training turns anxiety into confidence.
Ultimately, 34% of those surveyed felt unprepared for the changes brought on by AI, and 42% said their employers expected them to develop an understanding of AI alone without formal training.
“AI is rewriting job descriptions faster than most organizations can keep up,” said Priya Krishnan, chief transformation officer at Bright Horizons. “If employers act now, they can not only close critical skills gaps, but also build a culture of resilience and innovation. This is not about following trends, but creating a workforce that thrives in a world where technology and human capabilities advance together. The benefits of education, flexible learning, and AI literacy are the foundation of long-term competitiveness.”
Education benefits drive retention and responsiveness
EdIndex highlights how investing in employee education pays off for both employees and employers. However, challenges still exist, with financial barriers being the main concern.
The report says the skills gap is not just a technology issue, but one of “access and affordability.” 48% of employees surveyed said they avoided pursuing higher education primarily due to fear of student loans. 34% said their career advancement is being held back and opportunities are blocked because they can’t afford to pay off their student loans anymore. This highlights the need for affordable, employer-sponsored learning programs that provide employees with opportunities for advancement.
Employees value educational support, with 85% saying they would be more loyal to an employer that invested in continuing education. 86% said they would choose a job that offered such opportunities over one that offered them.
82% think their employer’s support for learning is essential, and 29% think it’s essential to their job. Additionally, 74% said they would be more loyal to their employer if they could help pay off their student loans, further highlighting how reducing financial barriers can boost employer loyalty, retention, and ROI.
More than half of respondents (55%) are more likely to stay with their company if AI training or certification is available, and 76% actively use AI when training is available, compared to just 25% who have no formal training.
Prediction for 2026
This report highlights five key changes for 2026 and how employers can start preparing now. First, the report predicts that AI literacy will become essential in the workplace as automation impacts nearly every job. Therefore, companies must develop AI training programs and ongoing support to help employees feel comfortable using new tools.
Second, upskilling will give employers and employees a significant competitive advantage. Organizations that invest heavily in both technical and soft skills will be better prepared to innovate and adapt in the future.
Third, flexible education benefits are key to ensuring employee retention. Workers are increasingly looking for employers that offer financial support and remove financial barriers that limit learning, and employers that offer certain “perks,” such as debt-free programs or tuition assistance, are more likely to attract and retain talent.
The fourth major prediction is how continuous learning will become a key element of the work environment. As roles evolve, employers need to set clear career paths with personalized learning plans to help employees grow, the report said.
Finally, work-life balance is expected to play a major role. Companies that combine educational benefits with flexibility and stress-reducing wellness support are more likely to retain loyal employees.
pressure remains
Career satisfaction appears to be high at 87%, but workers are under constant pressure, with 78% feeling forced to do tasks outside of their primary role. As a result, priorities are changing rapidly. While a pay increase remains an important factor, with 57% citing it as a top priority, work-life balance (43%) and stress relief (35%) have skyrocketed, up from 2024 figures of 35% and 29% respectively.
While 90% say they feel somewhat prepared as their work role evolves, this confidence declines when AI is brought into the equation, with only 66% feeling prepared for some of the impacts of AI. While AI may be relieving some tasks, its presence is also increasing pressure in the workplace.
The 2025 EdAssist report suggests that “employers who act now by incorporating skills development opportunities, AI training, short-term learning, and debt-aware benefits into their talent strategies will future-proof their businesses and avoid being left behind as competition for skills intensifies.” Only if employers take these steps will they be able to sustain long-term growth and build a workforce that can cope with the changes ahead.
(Image source: ‘HMS St Albans Ship Squadron conducts training day at Plymouth Training Area’ by Royal Navy Media Archive is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.)
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