The Future of Work
As technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and an ever-shifting economy reshape the business landscape, L&D leaders are no longer just providers of training—they are also strategic enablers of workforce agility and business growth. Organizations now look to L&D programs to drive rapid upskilling, AI adoption and leadership development, all while demonstrating measurable business impact, including employee satisfaction and retention.
Employers surveyed by the World Economic Forum predict that by 2030 work tasks will be nearly evenly divided between human-led, machine-led and hybrid human-machine collaboration. This shift isn’t just about automation; it’s also about how AI and human expertise must evolve together. AI is rapidly transforming workflows, yet uniquely human skills such as leadership, creativity and critical thinking remain indispensable. The challenge for businesses is clear: implement L&D programs that recognize all three task types, seamlessly integrate AI into learning strategies and reinforce the skills that AI cannot replace.
Top four key findings from the D2L commissioned survey:
In January, D2L commissioned a survey from Morning Consult of full-time, salaried, employed adults (n=996) in the United States to better understand how the new AI reality is impacting their work and learning needs.
- Employer support for AI training does not match AI’s growing workplace importance
- Employees seek skills development but feel a disconnect with their employer training priorities
- Employee preferences for training and credentials may not align with traditional education models
- Interactive and flexible formats are key to employee learning engagement and success
This new survey shows that employees are eager to grow their skills and future-proof their careers, valuing employer investments. However, they require clear incentives, structured support and flexible learning opportunities to fully engage. As AI adoption in the workplace accelerates, human-centered skills such as leadership, communication and problem-solving remain critical alongside evolving technical skills, reinforcing the need for a balanced approach to talent development.