An IBM survey showed that 42 per cent of Việt Nam executives are currently investing in reskilling internally for the skills they need versus hiring externally for those skills. — Photo courtesy of the company

Executives in Việt Nam estimate that 35 per cent of their workforce will need to reskill as a result of implementing AI and automation over the next three years, according to a new global study by the IBM Institute for Business Value.

The study “Augmented work for an automated, AI-driven world” surveyed 3,000 global C-Suite executives across 20 industries and 28 countries, including Việt Nam.

Building new skills for employees was identified as the top talent issue, according to surveyed executives, followed by the availability of skills both internally and externally. Critically, the survey showed that 42 per cent of Việt Nam executives are currently investing in reskilling internally for the skills they need versus hiring externally for those skills.

The study also found a disconnect between employers and employees about what’s considered most important at work. With AI primed to take on more manual and repetitive tasks, employees surveyed globally report engaging in impactful work as the top factor they care about.

However, employers haven’t recognised this fact. Executives surveyed in Việt Nam and globally ranked flexible work arrangements as the most important factor to their workforce beyond compensation and job security.

“As we embark on a future where AI becomes an integral part of the workforce, it is crucial that business leaders are able to lead their workforce through this shift and enable them to succeed,” said Phạm Thị Thu Diệp, Country General Manager and Technology Leader, IBM Vietnam.

“It is clear from the survey that impactful or meaningful work is now a higher priority for employees globally. Bridging this gap will be crucial in ensuring that AI and automation are harnessed in a way that enables employees to re-direct their time, energy, and creativity to the impactful work within the organization,” Diệp added.

The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics report, is based on in-depth analysis of over 3,000 global C-Suite executives across 20 industries and 28 countries from all major regions in December 2022 and January 2023 about job roles, skills, and how work gets done.

The study also provides recommendations for how leaders can take action to address their talent challenges in the era of AI and help their organizations transform for the future, including a focus on skills and operating models. — VNS