Employers make AI skills a core requirement for non-technical jobs

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an essential workplace skill, with new research suggesting that UK employers increasingly expect staff in non-technical roles to be comfortable using AI tools in their everyday work.

A report by workplace platform HiBob found that 77% of UK organisations expect AI proficiency to become a baseline requirement for most non-technical positions within the next 12 months. The findings highlight how AI is moving beyond specialist technology teams and becoming a standard workplace capability.

Despite the growing demand, businesses remain divided over who should take responsibility for developing these skills. While many employers are investing in training programmes, they are also looking to recruit people who already have AI experience, creating a shared expectation that both companies and employees contribute to workforce development.

Employers combine hiring and training to meet AI demand

The research indicates that organisations are taking two parallel approaches to address the growing need for AI skills. Around 82% of employers are investing in AI upskilling initiatives for existing staff, while 80% have developed clear strategies to recruit candidates who already possess strong AI capabilities.

This suggests that businesses are not relying on a single solution. Instead, they are attempting to build AI-ready workforces by improving the skills of current employees while attracting experienced professionals from the job market.

When it comes to staff training, employers are using a variety of methods rather than following one established model. Around one-third of organisations fund employees to pursue AI learning opportunities, while a similar proportion set aside dedicated time for staff to experiment with AI tools in their daily work. Others offer ready-made prompts and workflows to help employees begin using AI more effectively.

The range of approaches reflects the fact that many organisations are still working out the most effective way to introduce AI into the workplace. Businesses appear willing to invest in learning, but there is no clear industry standard for developing AI skills across different sectors.

Workers expected to play an active role in learning AI

Although employers are providing training opportunities, the report suggests that employees are also expected to take responsibility for improving their AI knowledge. AI skills are becoming increasingly linked to career progression, making personal initiative an important factor.

According to the research, 63% of organisations consider AI capabilities when making promotion decisions. Meanwhile, 61% include AI-related performance as part of regular employee reviews, indicating that proficiency is becoming a measurable aspect of workplace performance rather than simply an optional extra.

The findings suggest that workers who actively develop AI skills may gain an advantage as businesses continue adapting to new technologies. Rather than waiting for formal training programmes, many employees could benefit from independently exploring AI tools and understanding how they can improve productivity within their roles.

HiBob Chief Executive Officer Ronni Zehavi believes organisations should focus on understanding and developing workforce capabilities rather than relying solely on recruitment.

“The winners in the AI era will be the organisations that can define a shared language of skills, identify where capability truly sits, and pivot talent to where it creates the most value,” Zehavi wrote.

His comments reflect a wider shift towards viewing AI as a practical workplace skill that supports business performance across departments rather than as a specialist technical expertise.

AI skills increasingly linked to higher salaries

The report also found that employers are willing to pay more for workers with proven AI abilities. Nearly all surveyed organisations (97%) said they would offer at least a 10% salary premium to candidates or employees who demonstrate AI proficiency.

This growing financial incentive highlights the value businesses place on AI knowledge as they continue integrating automation and intelligent software into everyday operations. Organisations are competing for workers who can confidently use AI tools while also seeking ways to improve the skills of their existing teams.

The findings indicate that demand for AI capability is unlikely to decline in the near future. Instead, employers appear to be treating AI in much the same way as other essential workplace skills, such as digital literacy or communication, expecting it to become part of everyday professional competence.

As businesses continue to adapt to changing technologies, the balance between employer-led training and individual learning remains unresolved. However, with AI increasingly influencing recruitment, promotion and salary decisions, workers who invest in developing these skills may be better positioned to benefit from the ongoing transformation of the workplace.