Closing the activation gap: converting potential to performance by upskilling the workforce

Employers and workers see a world filled with uncertainty and change - from conversations about [artificial intelligence] AI and automation replacing or helping certain job fields to questions around which skills are needed to future-proof an economy shaped by continuous technological change. Corporate America is at an inflection point. To support professional development, meet business needs, and drive economic growth and national competitiveness, it is vital that we continuously develop and advance workers' skills - a process known as upskilling. But what [this report] makes clear is that too many American professionals are falling through a newly obvious 'say/do gap' - saying continuous, focused skills development is essential to their careers but not actually participating in it. Despite many organizations working to upskill the workforce, we found that this gap is likely being driven by a multitude of structural barriers that are not being addressed properly. These barriers, such as bias and discrimination, a lack of time and resources, and miscommunications on skills priorities, will inhibit the workforce's transition from potential to performance. The survey also shows that women and people of color are disproportionately at a disadvantage when seeking upskilling opportunities, and employees, in general, are not receiving the upskilling they need.

The four key findings are: (1) Working people face a major say/do gap that prevents them from taking advantage of upskilling opportunities, and employers face challenges in upskilling their workforce; (2) Groups that are disproportionately impacted by societal bias are at more of a disadvantage due to upskilling gaps - creating potential impact to their career advancement; (3) Employers and workers think and talk about skills differently, but there is common ground; and (4) Upskilling is universally acknowledged as important in an ever-changing economy - but workers and employers do not believe either group is delivering on the evolving needs of the future workforce.

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