We’re standing at the edge of another historic shift. Just as the internet redefined business in the 90s and smartphones transformed the workplace in the 2000s, artificial intelligence is now reshaping how we work—and who does the work. According to latest Microsoft Work Trend Index, this transformation marks the emergence of the Frontier Firm: organizations built around human-agent teams, digital labor, and AI-powered workflows.
AI Readiness Map Infographic
Also, according to the Work Trend Index, 82 percent of leaders say this is a make-or-break year to rethink strategy and operations—with AI as the driving force. Yet here’s the catch: most organizations still aren’t ready.
Learn more at this upcoming webinar!
The AI Readiness Gap Is Growing
AI holds transformative potential for organizations, but the gap between AI adoption and workforce readiness is widening. While leaders are increasingly aware of AI’s capabilities, many employees remain unfamiliar with how to integrate these tools into their day-to-day tasks. This disconnect poses a critical challenge for organizations aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
The reality is that the promise of AI isn’t fulfilled by technology alone—it relies on people who are both skilled and confident in effectively using it. Here are some eye-opening statistics, included in the Work Trend Index, that highlight the urgency of addressing this readiness gap:
- 67 percent of leaders are familiar with AI agents.
- But only 40 percent of employees say the same.
- Meanwhile, 80 percent of the global workforce lacks the time or energy to complete their existing work, and 53 percent of leaders say productivity must increase to meet demand.
Without targeted AI workforce training and intentional change management strategies, organizations risk rolling out powerful tools that no one knows how to effectively and securely use.
Embracing AI as a Strategic Partner
AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a teammate. We’re entering an era where every employee will manage AI agents, directing them to research, write, summarize, calculate, and execute workflows.
This is already happening. In the Work Trend Index, Microsoft reports:
- 41 percent of managers expect training agents to be part of their role within 5 years.
- 83 percent of leaders believe AI will enable employees to take on more complex work earlier in their careers.
- 78 percent of companies are considering hiring for AI-specific roles, from AI trainers to agent specialists.
So, what happens when your employees aren’t trained for this? You don’t just miss productivity targets—you fall behind those that are already scaling with AI-empowered teams. It’s tempting to assume that tools like Copilot will be intuitive or that employees will “figure it out.” But that assumption is risky.
An AI-Ready Workforce is the Future
To thrive in an era defined by AI-driven transformation, organizations must equip their teams with not only tools, but also the mindset and skills required to harness AI’s full potential. This requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond basic tool adoption, focusing instead on the foundational elements that empower employees to work efficiently and creatively alongside AI. Success demands a blend of strategic training, culture shift, and skills-building in key areas:
- AI Fluency: Not just knowing how to use tools, but how to prompt effectively, iterate with agents, and apply judgment.
- Workflow Rethinking: Learning where AI fits—and when it doesn’t—in daily tasks.
- Confidence & Culture: Encouraging a mindset of experimentation and trust.
That’s where Planet’s Evolve 365 learning and adoption solution comes in.
Your AI-Ready Workforce is Within Reach
Evolve 365 isn’t just another learning platform. It’s a training and transformation engine, purpose-built to help organizations adapt to AI at scale. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Live, Expert-Led AI Training: From Copilot to broader Microsoft 365 tools, our live training sessions guide users through real-world use cases—customized to your organization’s needs.
- Building the “Agent Boss” Mindset: We train employees not just to use AI, but to manage it—developing skills like prompting, oversight, and refinement that mirror tomorrow’s job descriptions.
- Personalized Coaching & Support: Through “Ask Me Anything” sessions and white-glove onboarding, your teams get direct access to our AI experts. It’s a human-first approach to AI training.
- Measurable Adoption & Impact: Evolve 365 includes usage analytics, campaign tracking, and adoption reports to help organizations measure progress and refine their approach.
AI-Focused Workforce Training is the Differentiator
Organizations investing in AI-upskilling are already seeing tangible benefits. Microsoft’s data shows that 71 percent of employees at Frontier Firms—those leading the way in AI adoption—believe their companies are thriving, compared to just 37 percent globally. These organizations aren’t just adopting technology; they’re cultivating a culture of confidence, adaptability, and innovation.
The lesson is clear: success in the AI era hinges not just on access to tools, but on how well your workforce is prepared to use them.
Moving from AI-Curious to AI-Capable
Getting there requires more than good intentions. It calls for a structured, scalable approach to learning—one that meets employees where they are and helps them grow into new roles with AI as their strategic partner and collaborator.
Evolve 365 helps organizations of every size move their workforce from AI-curious to AI-capable. Whether you’re just beginning your AI journey or looking to deepen adoption, a focused approach to AI readiness can help close the gap between potential and performance.
AI is already changing the way we work. The question now is: “How will your workforce rise to meet it?”
Let’s talk about what AI readiness could look like for your organization and how Evolve 365 can make it your reality.
Learn more at this upcoming webinar!
