Across the United States, the workplace is undergoing a quiet but far-reaching transformation. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everyday business operations, AI literacy and continuous education are emerging as essential pillars of workforce strategy. New research suggests that how employers respond now will shape their ability to attract, retain, and prepare talent for years to come.
Recent findings from The Harris Poll and the 2025 EdAssist by Bright Horizons Education Index point to a clear shift in expectations. The future of work, the research suggests, will be defined by three priorities: ongoing learning, greater flexibility, and practical AI skills. Employers that invest in these areas are already seeing benefits in resilience, engagement, and readiness.
“AI is rewriting job descriptions fast,” said Priya Krishnan, Chief Transformation Officer at Bright Horizons. “Employers who invest in education benefits and AI training now will build resilient, innovative teams.”
– Robyn S.
Rising demand for AI skills amid heavier workloads
While AI tools are becoming more common, many workers feel unprepared to keep pace. The EdAssist report found that 42 percent of U.S. employees expect AI to significantly change their role within the next year, yet only 17 percent currently use AI on a regular basis.
The bigger issue is not adoption alone, but the pressure to upskill. Nearly one-third of employees said they feel increased pressure to learn new skills because of AI, up from 26 percent last year. This comes at a time when workloads are already intensifying. More than 80 percent of workers report being asked to take on more responsibilities and deliver work faster.
Training appears to be a decisive factor in easing that strain. When employers provide AI education, adoption rises sharply, with more than three-quarters of employees using AI tools compared with just a quarter among those without training. Employees who receive training also report feeling far more prepared for AI-driven change.
Still, gaps remain. Around one-third of workers say they feel unprepared for changes tied to AI, and more than four in ten say their employer expects them to develop AI skills independently, without formal support.
Education benefits strengthen retention and confidence
Beyond AI training, the research highlights the broader value of education benefits. Employees consistently rate employer-supported learning as a major factor in loyalty and job choice. More than 85 percent say they would be more loyal to a company that invests in continuing education, and a similar share would choose a role with education benefits over one without.
Financial barriers remain a major obstacle. Nearly half of respondents said fear of student debt discourages them from pursuing further education, while a third say they simply cannot afford additional loans. These concerns are shaping expectations around employer-sponsored programs, including tuition assistance and student loan support.
The data suggests such benefits deliver clear returns. Over half of employees say they are more likely to stay with an employer that offers AI training or certification, and nearly three-quarters would feel increased loyalty if their employer helped reduce student loan debt.
What employers should expect by 2026
Looking ahead, the report outlines several trends likely to define the workplace by 2026. AI literacy is expected to become a baseline requirement across most roles, pushing companies to offer structured, ongoing training. Upskilling, both technical and interpersonal, is also expected to become a key competitive advantage.
Flexible education benefits are likely to play a growing role in recruitment and retention, particularly programs that remove financial barriers to learning. Continuous learning models, with clear career pathways and personalized development plans, are expected to replace one-off training initiatives. Alongside these changes, work-life balance and well-being support are becoming increasingly central to employee expectations.
Balancing confidence and pressure
Despite high levels of overall job satisfaction, pressure remains widespread. Many workers report being asked to perform tasks outside their primary role, and priorities are shifting. While pay remains important, work-life balance and stress reduction are gaining ground as top concerns.
Although most employees feel somewhat prepared for changes in their roles, confidence drops when AI enters the picture. This gap underscores the need for clearer guidance, better training, and stronger employer support as technology continues to evolve.
A workforce at a crossroads
The message from the research is consistent: AI alone will not future-proof the workforce. Education, access, and thoughtful implementation matter just as much as technology itself. Employers that invest early in AI literacy, flexible learning, and debt-conscious education benefits are better positioned to navigate rising demands and build teams that can adapt with confidence.
As AI reshapes how work gets done, the organizations that prioritize people alongside innovation are likely to be the ones that thrive.
