More than a third (38%) of men plan on developing their AI skills this year, according to research findings published on Tuesday (8 April) by recruitment firm Robert Half.
The 38% compares to more than a quarter (27%) of women who plan to upskill in AI this year. The data is the latest research finding to be released from the results of the Robert Half Candidate Sentiment Survey, from which insights were first published in January.
Supporting female staff to upskill in AI should be a priority for all businesses, emphasised Matt Weston, Robert Half's senior managing director for the UK and Ireland.
He told HR magazine: “First and foremost, HR leaders must ensure that the AI tools they are expecting their workforce to use are paired with inclusive training programmes. The adoption of AI in the workplace is accelerating at pace, however a failure to foster an environment where everyone has access to opportunities to upskill in a way that suits their circumstances and learning styles will only serve to strengthen the AI glass ceiling.
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“Additionally, identifying and championing external training opportunities that promote AI skills development should be a core focus for employers. Beyond training, mentorship programmes and networking opportunities provide a perfect platform for upskilling and knowledge building.”
For Carina Cortez, chief people officer at cloud-based learning and software provider, Cornerstone, the gender divide suggested by Robert Half's data is isn’t as wide as expected. Speaking to HR magazine, she said that five years ago, the gender gap with regard to AI upskilling would probably have been much more significant. “However, it’s clear that a gap still exists,” she added, “and something needs to be done to change that.
“What we’re seeing generally is that women are not only ready but actively eager to take control of their career development. Our recent Global Talent Mobility study found that women were 33% more likely than men to say they wanted to explore projects and opportunities to learn new or different skills. However, a gap in the type of skills women pursue still exists, especially in fast-evolving fields like AI, cloud, and data science, where there can be bigger barriers to access.”
It is crucial for managers to build confidence within their teams when it comes to using AI, and to develop potential, said Cortez. “We need managers who are willing to take a chance on people who may not check every box but are eager to learn and grow. Career-defining opportunities often come from being stretched, not staying safe. It’s about cultivating a culture where growth is expected, supported, and celebrated.”
Robert Half’s salary guide for this year, published in October 2024, showed that 72% of businesses are encouraging employees to explore generative AI for routine tasks.
Yet survey findings published by Microsoft last month (5 March) showed that half (54%) of businesses did not have an AI strategy.
To encourage all staff to upskill in AI, companies may want to create an AI committee, suggested Sheila Attwood, HR insights and data lead at HR data and solutions provider Brightmine.
Attwood told HR magazine: “One step HR can take is to establish an AI committee that includes representatives from HR, IT, senior management and C-suite sponsors. This committee should be diverse, and ensure strong female representation, to bring a wider range of perspectives, foster ownership, and create a culture that supports AI learning, irrespective of gender.
“When women are part of these decision-making spaces, it sends a powerful signal and can inspire others to pursue AI upskilling and development.”
Read more: Male employees overestimate workplace equality
A gender divide in AI upskilling could have a potentially catastrophic impact beyond the technology sector, according to Ella Robertson McKay, managing director of One Young World, a young leaders network.
She told HR magazine: “All business leaders, especially HR, need to support colleagues in developing their AI skills. The transformation is happening much faster than most people realise, and will only accelerate in the coming years. Workforces that are not knowledgeable about and equipped to handle the AI transition will undoubtedly fall behind.
“A gender divide in AI upskilling could be catastrophic for gender equality in both pay and seniority. It could lead to irreparable setbacks for female entrepreneurship and, in turn, widen the gender economic gap.”
Ronni Zehavi, co-founder of HR solutions provider HiBob, echoed this. He told HR magazine: “The disparity between men and women planning to enhance their AI skills extends beyond technology adoption; it impacts who will have access to future opportunities as AI transforms our work environment. The companies that thrive in the future will be those that ensure technological advancement is embraced by all employees, regardless of gender.”
