AI is the future, but 78% professionals feel left behind, says new report

AI is the Future, But 78% of Professionals Feel Left Behind

The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces across India, yet a new report from upGrad Enterprise reveals a striking gap between employees’ upskilling aspirations and available opportunities. The Workforce Wishlist 2025 surveyed over 8,000 professionals across 28 industries and found that while 83% consider AI skills crucial, a staggering 65% still classify themselves as novices in the field.

As India embraces an AI-driven economy, professionals are prioritizing training in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, green skills, and data analytics. However, 78% of respondents report a lack of relevant training programs, despite 91% valuing employer-supported learning. This mismatch is proving costly—42% of employees say they stay longer with companies that invest in their learning and development.

The study also highlights shifting learning preferences:

• 51% of professionals favor hybrid learning methods
• 48% want role-specific training tailored to their industry
• 40% prefer a mix of traditional and digital learning formats

The report also raises concerns about India’s leadership pipeline, as many professionals lack crucial skills like negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving. Despite these being essential for career growth, only 20% actively work on improving them.

Moreover, 44% of professionals want AI safety training, while 57% seek sustainability skills, and 63% prioritize cybersecurity training—indicating that employers must balance both technical and soft skill development to future-proof careers.

With Millennials (45%) and Gen X (31%) making up the majority of the workforce, followed by Gen Z (22%) and Baby Boomers (2%), the demand for personalized upskilling approaches is stronger than ever. The report suggests that upskilling must move beyond being just an HR initiative—it needs to be a strategic leadership vision to equip the workforce for an AI-powered future.