Balancing tech and talent: putting people at the heart of AI transformation

Balancing tech and talent: putting people at the heart of AI transformation

Talk of AI is everywhere right now. It’s shaping industries, rewiring jobs and changing how we work. And according to The Adecco Group Workforce Trends 2026 Report, both leaders and employees are paying attention. Nearly nine in ten workers say they’re ready to adapt to AI - but most believe they already know more about it than their company’s training provides.
That’s a wake-up call. People are ready to evolve, but businesses aren’t keeping up.

We’ve invested in the tech - now let’s catch up on the people

Leaders admit their workforce strategies haven’t evolved fast enough to keep pace with AI. The focus has been on technical tools and systems, not human trust and skills. The result? Employees who are enthusiastic about technology, but unsure where they fit in.

AI doesn’t transform a business - people do. When workers understand how technology helps them grow, learn new skills and make an impact, the change becomes proactive and purposeful instead of unsettling.

The workers thriving in this new environment - what we call future-ready employees - have one thing in common: clarity. They are more likely to see how their role connects to company strategy and how AI will evolve their contribution. That understanding strengthens commitment and helps people focus their energy where it counts.

They know what high-value work looks like. They’re supported to understand both the current and future value of their skills. And they have frameworks that help them measure their contribution in tangible terms.

So, how do we get there?

It starts with a shift in mindset. Here are three simple but powerful steps you can take.

1. Keep it human
   AI should make people’s jobs better, not replace their value. Involve teams in rethinking processes and show them what AI can actually do for them. 
   
   
2. Be transparent about data
   People need to trust the systems they’re using. Explain how AI decisions are made, where the data comes from and how it’s used. Having a responsible AI framework in place can help create greater transparency and clarify your ethics around use of data.
   
   
3. Get everyone on the same page
   HR, IT and operations shouldn’t be running separate transformations. Bring the leadership team together behind one shared workforce strategy - so employees hear one clear message. Listen to our C-suite Table Talk for tips on how to align your top team.

The real competitive edge

The companies that will thrive aren’t those racing to automate everything - they’re the ones helping their people grow with technology, not despite it. 

Future-ready employees are far more likely to have a personalised career plan and the autonomy to decide how AI fits into their work. This creates a virtuous circle: when people feel trusted and supported, they extend greater trust in return. 

Ask yourself: are we teaching our people to keep up with change, or are we helping them lead it?

AI might be the future of work, but people are the future of progress.

Ready for the full picture? Download our Work Force Trends report today.