Most Executives Say Ignoring AI Is a Bigger Threat to Your Career Than the Tech Itself
Rhea-AI Summary
Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA) released the Kelly Global Re:work Report on Nov 12, 2025 showing a gap between executive optimism and worker experience with AI.
Key findings: 69% of executives say refusing AI is a bigger career threat than the tech; 59% would replace workers who resist; 47% of workers report time savings while 32% see no benefits; 80% of executives say implementation stalls from lack of team expertise.
The report urges closing gaps in technology, talent, and trust via training, demos, and feedback loops to align leadership and workforce outcomes.
Positive
- 69% of executives view refusing AI as career threat
- 59% of executives would replace workers resisting AI
- 80% of executives report a skills gap stalling AI implementation
Negative
- 47% of workers report time savings from AI (fewer than half)
- 32% of workers say they are not seeing AI benefits
- User adoption and vendor/data hurdles slow deployment
News Market Reaction 18 Alerts
On the day this news was published, KELYA declined 1.83%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +2.7% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 18 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $6M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $324M at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Kelly® Global Re:work Report shows adoption stalls without trust, training, defined benefits for workers
TROY, Mich., Nov. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Senior executives across industries view acquiring AI skills as essential to long-term career success while many employees remain unconvinced, according to a new survey from leading specialty talent solutions provider Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB).
The Kelly Global Re:work Report reveals nearly seven in ten executives (
Executives say AI should free up time for employees to focus on high-value tasks like collaboration, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing. However, fewer than half of workers (
“Our survey reveals a disconnect between how leaders and their employees perceive the current impact of AI on work and careers,” Kelly CEO Chris Layden said. “While leaders view AI as a smart upgrade, talent is split on whether it delivers the promised benefits or threatens their jobs. Our research shows companies can only realize the full value of AI when people understand why it matters to the business, are trained to use the technology, and trust that it benefits their own roles.”
Nearly all organizations are utilizing AI in some form while facing technical challenges, security concerns, and slow user adoption, according to the Kelly survey. Executives cite vendor integration and data hurdles but also acknowledge a skills gap. The report finds workers need more support to translate AI tools into better outcomes.
The Kelly analysis urges employers to close three interconnected gaps: in technology, talent, and trust. To close these gaps, Kelly recommends that organizations connect AI fluency to career development, address fears directly with hands-on demos that illustrate how AI helps talent succeed, and implement feedback loops to align leadership optimism with worker experience.
“AI is changing how work gets done. Faster workflows, data-driven decisions, and cost savings are just the beginning. But the disconnect between how leaders and talent experience the technology puts workforce stability and business performance at risk. It’s time to close that gap,” Layden said. “Leaders should model how they leverage AI in their own roles, foster a culture where AI-powered problem solving is encouraged, and outline how acquiring AI skills will strengthen both the business and individual career opportunities.”
About the Report
The Kelly Global Re:work Report is based on proprietary surveys of more than 6,000 professionals across industries, roles, and regions. Researchers classified professionals into two groups: executives with a job title of manager, senior manager, department head, director, vice president, or C-suite; and workers who hold individual contributor roles at their organizations. View the full report at KellyRework.com.
About Kelly®
Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work. Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we have become experts in the many industries and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect more than 400,000 people with work every year. Our suite of outsourcing and consulting services ensures companies have the people they need, when and where they are needed most. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, we empower businesses and individuals to access limitless opportunities in industries such as science, engineering, technology, education, manufacturing, retail, finance, and energy. Revenue in 2024 was
Media Contact
Christian Taske
248-561-8823
christian.taske@kellyservices.com
This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
FAQ
What did Kelly announce in the Nov 12, 2025 Re:work Report (KELYA)?
How many executives said they'd replace workers who resist AI in the KELYA report?
What proportion of workers report time savings from AI according to Kelly (KELYA)?
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Why does Kelly (KELYA) say AI implementation is stalling?
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