Learning
At the Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo on Oct. 26, Rebecca Burton, senior principal analyst in Gartner's HR practice, outlined four trends L&D leaders should keep in mind heading into 2027. The trends include the need for a scalable reskilling process amid skills chaos and job chaos, preparing for the growing risk of critical knowledge loss, implementing AI coaching for managers carefully, and training to combat cognitive surrender. The session highlighted that demand for more L&D is increasingly coming from the top, with board directors ranking L&D-related tasks among top priorities for CHROs to get ahead of AI.
A recent TalentLMS survey of 1,500 U.S. employees reveals that fewer than half consistently use new ways of working after being trained, a phenomenon dubbed 'habit hugging.' More than a third sometimes return to old methods, and 73% mix old and new approaches. Manager adoption is key: 49% of employees consistently adopt new methods when managers do, versus 22% when they don't. The findings come amid broader struggles to prepare workers for AI, with reports from Randstad Digital, ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions, and Gallup highlighting training gaps and lack of manager preparedness.
Addison Group's 2026 Skill Security Report found that 36% of the U.S. workforce, or about 64 million people, have faked their knowledge, skills or expertise, citing pressure to appear capable and stay competitive. The report follows a May 2025 AI Resume Builder survey in which 10% of job seekers admitted lying on their resumes. Experts suggest employers assess skills during hiring and invest in learning and development, as 95% of workers say at least one form of employer support would boost their confidence, with 63% wanting more L&D opportunities. Addison Group CEO Thomas Moran emphasizes both technical and human skills for 'skill security.'
PwC confirmed a breach of a third-party vendor site used for employee learning records and is investigating claims by Everest ransomware that it stole 590 gigabytes of employee data. PwC said the incident did not affect its network or operations, and the site does not house client data, sensitive personal data, or financial information. Everest ransomware, active since late 2020, has previously operated as an initial access broker and targeted critical-infrastructure providers.
Toshiba CHRO Jason Desentz told HR Dive that Generation Z lacks workplace AI skills, as universities often discourage AI use. Toshiba is addressing this by providing Copilot licenses to interns, offering an AI readiness course, and encouraging employees to build AI agents for tasks like payroll and attendance. Desentz emphasizes adaptability and continuous experimentation, comparing AI adoption to the internet shift. He recommends companies identify internal AI champions to drive experimentation and mobilization.
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced more than $81.5 million in grant funding to support workforce training in rural communities across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. The grants, part of the seventh round of the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities program, aim to address critical workforce needs in high-growth industries such as skilled trades, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and domestic energy production. The funding will support industry-driven training initiatives, including Registered Apprenticeships, and help new and dislocated workers, as well as those seeking to upskill. The program, administered by DOL's Employment and Training Administration, supports 13 projects across 11 states and is designed to increase employment opportunities and wage growth. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling emphasized the grants' role in providing pathways to in-demand jobs. The initiative partners with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border Regional Commission.
According to a survey released Tuesday by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation, 48% of employers think higher education will become more important over the next five years amid growing AI use, while 26% believe it will become less important. The survey also found that 60% of employers have high confidence in higher education as an institution, and 80% prefer candidates with college degrees regardless of position requirements. The report's authors note that employers do not appear to be turning away from degrees for now. The survey was based on an August online poll of over 2,500 hiring decision-makers.
The Lowe's Foundation announced the formation of the largest cross-industry technology industry coalition in the United States, bringing together over 75 educational institutions, businesses, and organizations, with plans to train 1 million skilled workers by 2035. The coalition will focus on three key goals: changing industry perceptions, investing in training and certification, and establishing shared benchmarks, to mitigate the projected shortfall of 2.1 million skilled positions in the U.S. by 2030.
An Adobe report found that new employees handle an average of 13 documents and spend 12 hours in their first week, but only 60% of the materials are necessary; 56% of employees retain more than half of the information. A chaotic process affects confidence and performance, with a notable lack of AI policy information.
EY in the United States announced it will invest $100 million to reward employees who cultivate 'future-ready' skills, drive company culture, foster innovation, and deliver exceptional client service. This initiative is part of the firm's multi-billion-dollar talent strategy, designed to address industry changes and enhance the appeal of the accounting profession.