U.S. Workers Stuck in Adaptability Paradox: Awareness High, Action Lagging
Event summary
- 78% of U.S. workers believe job security requires continuous adaptation, but only 71% are proactively upskilling (vs. global average of 77%)
- AI disruption is uneven across states: 47% in Alaska vs. 18% in Maine/Wisconsin currently using AI at work
- 68% cite cost as a barrier to upskilling, with only 41% having access to credentialing programs despite 67% interest
- U.S. scores 93.7 on ETS Human Progress Index (below global average of 96.7), indicating challenges in education and workforce readiness
The big picture
ETS's report highlights a growing disconnect between worker awareness of adaptability needs and their ability to act, exacerbated by uneven AI adoption across states. The findings underscore the shared responsibility of employers, educators and governments in bridging this gap as automation reshapes job markets. With U.S. workers trailing global peers in proactive upskilling, the pressure mounts for coordinated action to prevent a widening skills divide.
What we're watching
- State Disparities
- Whether Delaware, Alaska and D.C. can sustain their upskilling momentum while Maine, Hawaii and Pennsylvania lag behind.
- Employer Responsibility
- How quickly companies will respond to worker demands for credential pathways and employer-supported upskilling programs.
- Government Intervention
- The pace at which state and federal governments will fund workforce readiness initiatives through trusted credentialing partnerships.