Businesses are introducing AI faster than they build the skills needed to make it effective, Aon warns.

A survey by the broker found 73% of business respondents use AI programs, yet only 18% say most of their workforce has participated in AI training in the past year.

The findings “point to a clear misalignment: organisations are accelerating automation while underinvesting in the people required to operationalise it”, Aon says.

Only 28% of surveyed employers have hired staff with AI expertise, even as 88% agree AI will require their workforce to develop new skills.

Respondents rank adaptability, leadership and change management as the most critical drivers of success in the next three years – ahead of technical skills.

“AI success ultimately depends on people, but most organisations are still investing primarily in the technology. That disconnect is where opportunity is lost,” Aon human capital CEO Byron Beebe said.

“Closing the readiness gap takes a co-ordinated approach – building skills and confidence, setting clear governance and enabling leaders to guide change so technology investments translate into sustainable performance and resilience.

“When readiness efforts lag deployment, organisations face slower adoption, fragmented decision-making and greater operational and reputational exposure – limiting the performance gains AI is expected to deliver.” 

Aon recommends investing in structured, organisation-wide reskilling and upskilling.

"Organisations that act decisively can build more resilient, confident and productive workforces and fully realise the promise of AI.”

Aon polled 2361 global leaders, including more than 30 from Australia. See the report here.