- The report found insufficient training (39%) to be a key barrier to AI readiness
- 1 in 3 workers use generative AI at work, but just as many haven’t received formal training
Indeed’s latest report, The Work Ahead, reveals a growing gap between AI adoption and employee readiness, highlighting an urgent need for better training and support in the workplace.
Announced at Indeed Talent Trends 2025, a full-day forum exploring the future of work, the report shows that while one in three workers (36%) are already using generative AI tools in their roles, an equal proportion (33%) say they have received no formal training.
This disconnect, according to Indeed, could have serious consequences. Without proper guidance, workers may struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, limiting their potential for professional growth and their ability to compete in an increasingly digital job market. The report also points to evolving worker expectations in uncertain times, with more employees seeking out employers who actively invest in their digital development. Those that do not risk falling behind in the war for talent.
Callam Pickering, Indeed’s APAC senior economist, noted that there is strong interest among job seekers to build AI skills, but many are being left behind due to the lack of formal training. He emphasised that in a fast-evolving job landscape, the ability to learn and adapt has become a crucial advantage, and job seekers are increasingly attracted to employers that cultivate a learning culture around AI.
“For businesses, this is no longer a ‘nice to have’. Offering meaningful AI training is fast becoming a competitive edge in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent,” he added.
Barriers to tech-readiness
The report identified insufficient training (39%) as a key barrier to workplace AI readiness, with company leaders reporting greater confidence in their access to training compared to non-managers. Other significant hurdles include the struggle to keep up with rapid change (39%) and the lack of early digital exposure in employees’ careers (28%). In Singapore, the workforce remains divided on the impact of technology, with only a third (36%) feeling optimistic about how tech will shape their careers, while 11% report feeling overwhelmed and left behind.
Smarter training and consistent upscaling are key
To bridge the adoption gap, the report found that workers are more likely to master and use new technologies when they are user-friendly and accompanied by clear documentation (42%). The availability of structured training, such as workshops (38%), and the space to experiment in low-pressure environments (35%), will also contribute to adoption success.
“Employers must take a hard look at existing training programmes and update them to reflect the realities of today’s AI-driven workplace. This means moving beyond one-off workshops and building continuous learning pathways that are tailored, accessible, and linked to real-world tasks employees perform,” Pickering said.
He added that “Embedding AI literacy into onboarding, offering hands-on learning with real tools, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration can help make training more impactful.
“For job seekers, it’s equally important to be proactive. Raising questions about AI training during interviews not only signals interest in growth but also helps assess whether a potential employer is invested in preparing their workforce for the future. Asking how AI is used across teams and what support is available to build relevant skills can open up meaningful conversations right from the start,” he said.
The report is based on a survey conducted by Indeed and Censuswide in May 2025, involving a nationally representative sample of 1,500 respondents in Singapore. This included both blue and white-collar workers, as well as business leaders across various sectors.
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The report found insufficient training (39%) to be a key barrier to AI readiness
1 in 3 workers use generative AI at work, but just as many haven’t received formal training
Indeed’s latest report, The Work Ahead, reveals a growing gap between AI adoption and employee readiness, highlighting an urgent need for better training and support in the workplace.
Announced at Indeed Talent Trends 2025, a full-day forum exploring the future of work, the report shows that while one in three workers (36%) are already using generative AI tools in their roles, an equal proportion (33%) say they have received no formal training.
This disconnect, according to Indeed, could have serious consequences. Without proper guidance, workers may struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, limiting their potential for professional growth and their ability to compete in an increasingly digital job market. The report also points to evolving worker expectations in uncertain times, with more employees seeking out employers who actively invest in their digital development. Those that do not risk falling behind in the war for talent.
Callam Pickering, Indeed’s APAC senior economist, noted that there is strong interest among job seekers to build AI skills, but many are being left behind due to the lack of formal training. He emphasised that in a fast-evolving job landscape, the ability to learn and adapt has become a crucial advantage, and job seekers are increasingly attracted to employers that cultivate a learning culture around AI.
“For businesses, this is no longer a ‘nice to have’. Offering meaningful AI training is fast becoming a competitive edge in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent,” he added.
Barriers to tech-readiness
The report identified insufficient training (39%) as a key barrier to workplace AI readiness, with company leaders reporting greater confidence in their access to training compared to non-managers. Other significant hurdles include the struggle to keep up with rapid change (39%) and the lack of early digital exposure in employees’ careers (28%). In Singapore, the workforce remains divided on the impact of technology, with only a third (36%) feeling optimistic about how tech will shape their careers, while 11% report feeling overwhelmed and left behind.
Smarter training and consistent upscaling are key
To bridge the adoption gap, the report found that workers are more likely to master and use new technologies when they are user-friendly and accompanied by clear documentation (42%). The availability of structured training, such as workshops (38%), and the space to experiment in low-pressure environments (35%), will also contribute to adoption success.
“Employers must take a hard look at existing training programmes and update them to reflect the realities of today’s AI-driven workplace. This means moving beyond one-off workshops and building continuous learning pathways that are tailored, accessible, and linked to real-world tasks employees perform,” Pickering said.
He added that “Embedding AI literacy into onboarding, offering hands-on learning with real tools, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration can help make training more impactful.
“For job seekers, it’s equally important to be proactive. Raising questions about AI training during interviews not only signals interest in growth but also helps assess whether a potential employer is invested in preparing their workforce for the future. Asking how AI is used across teams and what support is available to build relevant skills can open up meaningful conversations right from the start,” he said.
The report is based on a survey conducted by Indeed and Censuswide in May 2025, involving a nationally representative sample of 1,500 respondents in Singapore. This included both blue and white-collar workers, as well as business leaders across various sectors.
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