UK employees are proactively seeking digital reskilling opportunities to boost their salaries and advance their careers, amid salary and headcount freezes over the past twelve months, reveals new research from O’Reilly.
O’Reilly’s research, conducted by Censuswide in September 2024, surveyed 500 employers in large UK companies with more than 250 employees. It set out to identify how UK employers are acquiring new talent amid a widening skills gap and economic flatlining.
The new data revealed that half (50%) of UK employers have adopted a headcount and salary freeze over the past twelve months. As a result, more than three-quarters (79%) of employers have seen staff ask for digital upskilling and reskilling opportunities to accelerate their career progression.
Nontechnical staff across every level and department have sought reskilling opportunities in AI and machine learning (62%), cybersecurity (53%), data analysis (49%), and programming (31%).
Meanwhile, with generative AI being adopted more rapidly than any other technology in recent history, two-thirds (66%) of employees hired for technical roles in IT teams have proactively sought new upskilling opportunities in AI and machine learning. Additional areas requested for upskilling opportunities by technical employees included cybersecurity (52%), cloud (44%), programming (36%), and software architecture (25%).
This has been received well by UK employers. More than four in five (81%) consider digital upskilling/reskilling more cost-effective than acquiring new headcount. And those savings may be significant because UK employers are looking to enhance digital skills in AI and machine learning (61%), cybersecurity (48%), data analysis (48%), cloud (43%) and programming (32%) across their workforce over the next twelve months.
Commenting on the findings, Alexia Pedersen, SVP International at O’Reilly, emphasised that adopting new digital technologies goes beyond simply using advanced tools—it requires leadership commitment and fostering a culture of continuous learning. This approach helps develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and growth. She highlights the increasing demand for learning resources in AI programming, data analysis, and machine learning due to the rapid adoption of generative AI. Additionally, she points out that general AI literacy is essential across the entire workforce, not just IT teams, to prepare for future digital technologies, as current training on generative AI tools remains limited.
Pedersen concludes:
UK employers have a responsibility to prepare every individual within their workforce for the digital tech of the future. Companies must implement a continuous learning strategy that focuses on equipping staff with the skills and mindset needed to leverage these technologies effectively. In turn, this approach to workplace learning will increase employee engagement and productivity while fostering innovation and growth that improves the bottom line.
Alexia Pedersen, SVP International at O’Reilly
Investing in employee reskilling not only addresses the skills gap but also plays a crucial role in enhancing workplace wellbeing. Empowering employees with opportunities for growth fosters a sense of purpose, reduces anxiety around job security, and boosts morale. Prioritising learning and development can lead to a more engaged, resilient, and satisfied workforce.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.