What's Happening?
Absorb Software has released a report titled 'Enterprise L&D in 2026: Trends and Predictions,' which reveals a significant gap between AI adoption and workforce readiness. The report, based on responses from global HR and L&D leaders, indicates that while 61% of organizations have adopted or are testing AI in their learning and development (L&D) strategies, only 11% feel extremely confident in their future skills-building strategy. This gap highlights the challenges organizations face in aligning technological advancements with workforce capabilities. The report emphasizes the importance of human-centered learning experiences, such as mentoring, to bridge this gap and enhance workforce adaptability and performance.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the report
underscore the critical need for organizations to focus on developing human skills that complement AI technologies. As AI continues to transform workplaces, the ability of employees to think critically, lead confidently, and learn continuously becomes paramount. The report suggests that mentorship can play a vital role in strengthening these capabilities, providing the necessary support for employees to adapt to AI-enabled roles. This is particularly important as organizations strive to demonstrate workforce readiness and leverage technology investments for meaningful capability development. The report also highlights the rising demand for skills such as adaptability, resilience, and emotional intelligence, which are essential for interpreting AI insights and navigating uncertainty.
What's Next?
Organizations are expected to prioritize leadership development, reskilling, and upskilling to address the skills gap identified in the report. The integration of AI into L&D programs is likely to continue, with a focus on modernizing learning technology to support people-first development. However, the report notes that readiness gaps persist, with many organizations yet to integrate AI into their L&D strategies. As such, there is a pressing need for organizations to develop clear AI plans and ensure that learning fits seamlessly into daily work. Mentorship is identified as a critical component of this strategy, providing the human connection necessary to turn AI insights into real capability.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights the importance of institutional knowledge as AI automates routine tasks. Organizations are encouraged to focus on knowledge transfer and social learning programs to ensure that employees have the context-rich, experience-based learning necessary to thrive in an AI-enabled workplace. The report also calls for performance enablement through supportive, ongoing, people-first leadership to guide teams through change. As organizations navigate the challenges of AI adoption, the combination of intelligent technology and human connection is seen as key to future success.
