Survey: Most U.S. Workers Excited By AI, Demand Better Training

Workers who are eager to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and grow their skills would like more structured support and more flexible opportunities to engage in learning, according to a D2L survey of U.S. employees. D2L used the survey results to create its annual report on skills development, Upskill with Purpose: Creating a Future-Ready Workforce.

Of those nearly 1,000 full-time, salaried workers, the survey reveals that:

• Approximately 33% fear AI may eventually replace their jobs.
• Most (69%) agree AI will help them do their jobs better — 65% are excited for AI to support repetitive tasks, and 68% expect it may free up more time for strategic and creative work.
• 75% state they want to supplement their skills to help advance professionally in the next three years, with 56% reporting they have been left to their own devices when it comes to learning about AI.
• Most prefer the convenience of self-paced and employer-provided learning — 56% have learned on their own, and 52% have participated in employer training.
• During training programs, 45% identify interactive modules with instant feedback as most effective for building skills.

“As AI becomes more integrated into the way we work and learn, it’s important that workers can feel empowered with the right tools and resources to help harness its potential,” said John Baker, President and CEO of D2L “The new research shows that employers can have an opportunity to help workers in their careers and develop  AI skills with a more flexible approach to upskilling that can be tailored to help suit their learning needs.”

What Can Employers Do?

D2L suggests that employers adopt a more balanced approach to talent development that can promote human potential while they develop more technical skills and integrate AI into real-world workflows. To help bridge the gap between employer investment and employee skill development, the report recommends that employers take the following four steps:

1. Develop AI literacy programs. Help build confidence in AI tools while reinforcing human skills that AI cannot replace, such as critical thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence.
2. Promote a “human + AI” mindset. Foster an open culture of experimentation, provide safe spaces to test AI tools, and help employees understand AI’s role as an enabler rather than a threat.
3. Link learning to career growth. Provide transparency for employees to link training to promotion opportunities, lateral mobility, pay increases, and job security.
4. Adopt flexible, interactive learning formats. Remove barriers to learning by offering structured training time during work hours and expanding financial support. Use real-time AI-powered feedback and authentic assessments to boost engagement and outcomes.

Read more news and insights about artificial intelligence in the workplace on Facility Executive.