
Aon's 2026 Human Capital Trends Study reveals a major gap in AI strategies: while 88% of employers agree AI demands new workforce skills, only 18% have upskilled employees recently. Many companies prioritize AI deployment and automation but underinvest in people development, risking slower adoption and operational issues. Organizations that align AI with workforce planning and leadership engagement perform better. Closing this gap by investing in skills, governance, and culture is crucial for turning AI investments into sustainable competitive advantages.