Only 4% of Swiss companies are well equipped for the change brought about by AI
A new global study by the Adecco Group shows: The majority of companies do not yet have a dedicated HR strategy in place to successfully manage the rapid change brought about by artificial intelligence. There is an increasing gap between the AI ambitions of management and the readiness of the HR strategy.
The latest Business Leaders Report "Leading in the Age of AI: Expectations versus Reality", published by the Adecco Group, is based on a survey of 2,000 C-level executives in 13 countries and 17 industries, 100 of whom were from Switzerland. Respondents named digital transformation, generative AI and AI in general as the most important technological megatrends up to 2030. Although managers recognize the extent of the impending change, clear strategies to support the workforce are lacking in many places. Many employees are left to their own devices when it comes to using AI.
Findings from the study: Hardly any guidelines, no plan and divided management teams
The study shows that many expectations of employees are not tied to any clear guidelines. For example, 61% of Swiss managers expect employees to train themselves independently in the use of AI. However, 36% of companies have no guidelines on the use of AI in the workplace. There is also a lack of role models: only a third of the managers surveyed worldwide have developed AI skills themselves in the last 12 months.
The management teams themselves also disagree, according to another finding of the study. 38% of the Swiss managers surveyed stated that their management teams have difficulties agreeing on strategies in a timely manner. Globally, confidence in their own AI strategy has fallen by 11 percentage points to 58% since 2024.
And last but not least, there is a lack of data for HR strategies. Only 37% of Swiss companies would invest in data analysis in order to identify and close skills gaps, although according to the study, the lack of technology and digital skills will be the biggest obstacle to digital transformation in 2025.
"While investments are constantly being made in new AI applications, there is often a lack of a clear strategy for taking employees along on this journey. Technological change must not bypass people. Forward-looking, skills-based HR planning and targeted training are needed to exploit the full potential of AI. However, responsibility should not lie solely with employees. Managers must also set a good example and actively acquire new AI skills," summarizes Marcel Keller, Country President of the Adecco Group Switzerland. He adds: "But we also see that there are already forward-looking organizations that are successfully shaping change with a clear focus on people, technology and continuous development. These companies are setting standards today for the working world of tomorrow."
Future-ready companies focus on adaptability and development
The study identifies a small group of future-ready organizations that are responding more effectively to the new AI reality. These organizations are people-centric, technology-driven and prepared for change by focusing on four core criteria: a structured and measurable approach to AI, fostering adaptability and career mobility, skills development for employees, and preparing leaders for a rapidly changing future. These adaptable companies are spread across all company sizes and are primarily located in the aerospace & defense and tech sectors. While a global average of 10% of companies qualify as future-ready, only 4% do so in Switzerland.
Source: Adecco Group
