Companies Are Spending Billions to Train Workers for AI. Most of It Will Fail
CIO, Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
Most corporate AI training investments fail because companies don't assess whether employees have the right mindset and behavioral fit for redesigned roles.
While executives are spending billions on AI training to close workforce gaps, the majority of these investments are failing due to flawed sequencing and lack of employee assessment.
According to Mercer's research, 63% of executives view AI work redesign as their highest-return investment, yet only 32% say their workforce is ready. The author argues that training should be preceded by diagnostic measurement of employee behavioral patterns and learning orientation, not just technical skills inventories.
By measuring first, redesigning second, and training third - as demonstrated by a successful case study - organizations can achieve transformative results rather than creating expensive certificates for employees who don't fit their redesigned roles.