Study reveals disconnect between strategic goals and workforce preparedness

A recent study by Skillsoft has highlighted a significant disconnect between organisations’ strategic priorities for 2025 and their workforce’s preparedness to fulfil these goals. Conducted with over 2,100 full-time employees across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, the survey revealed that less than half of the respondents, specifically 48 percent, have been adequately informed about their organisation’s objectives for the upcoming year. Alarmingly, among those who are aware, only 40 percent feel completely clear about their roles in achieving these targets, and merely 33 percent believe their skills are aligned with the strategic goals.

For 2025, organisations are prioritising improvements in operational efficiency (48 percent), revenue generation (46 percent), and enhancement of customer experience (39 percent). However, areas such as closing skill gaps and enhancing leadership received significantly less focus, each identified by only 19 percent of respondents. The study further underscored a worrying trend; a mere 23 percent of employees feel prepared to confront future work-related challenges. A notable concern for many is the lack of training and upskilling opportunities, with nearly a fifth of participants highlighting this as a significant issue over the past year. Only 31 percent reported receiving training related to emerging technologies, such as generative AI.

Employee dissatisfaction is also apparent, with only 25 percent expressing extreme satisfaction in their current roles. This dissatisfaction closely correlates with perceived unpreparedness for future challenges; 86 percent of the dissatisfied respondents felt ill-equipped. Interestingly, Gen Z employees reported higher dissatisfaction levels compared to their counterparts from other age groups. Furthermore, burnout and overwhelming workloads emerged as frontline challenges affecting 39 percent of participants, supporting the need for more effective management practices and employee development.

Ciara Harrington, Chief People Officer at Skillsoft, emphasised the importance of clear communication regarding strategic objectives and the necessity of fostering an environment conducive to skill development. Speaking to HRreview, she stated, “Boosting operational efficiency, revenue, and customer satisfaction should undoubtedly be business priorities. However, it is nearly impossible to deliver on these goals without first breaking them down into measurable actions…”

On a parallel note, the telecom sector is witnessing a growing consensus among operators regarding the need for artificial intelligence (AI) tailored specifically to their industry requirements. According to a report from TelecomTV titled ‘AI-Native Telco Strategies’, 72 percent of telecom operators expressed support for developing large language models (LLMs) that cater to their unique generative AI needs. This survey, carried out in November 2024 with input from 64 participants across more than 45 telecom companies globally, indicates a strong commitment to leveraging AI for operational improvement.

The same report found that 70 percent of respondents claimed their organisations have established defined AI strategies, while 76 percent noted the appointment of an executive responsible for AI strategy, further indicating the increasing integration of AI into telecommunications. Notably, 86 percent of respondents believe AI can drive the development of new revenue-generating services, reinforcing its strategic importance in generating income and reducing operational costs.

Despite the evident optimism regarding AI’s role in the telecom industry, challenges related to AI adoption persist. Approximately 70 percent of respondents indicated a need for additional staff skilled in AI development. The anticipated impact of AI on job levels remains contested; 44 percent foresee job reductions, while 31 percent disagree.

The debate over the necessity of sector-specific LLMs continues, as companies within initiatives like the Global Telco AI Alliance push for custom solutions. Conversely, industry leaders such as Bruno Zerbib of Orange express scepticism regarding the imperative for such models, stressing the need to monitor relevant industry developments.

Looking ahead, 92 percent of respondents expect significant improvements in network operations and management due to AI within the next three years. Additionally, advancements are anticipated in network planning, customer engagement, energy efficiency, and internal efficiencies. The telecom industry is set to continue embracing AI technologies to reshape their operations and strategies significantly, underpinned by the anticipated deployment of advanced AI architectures, such as Nvidia’s latest chips, within key telecom infrastructures.

Source: Noah Wire Services