Workforce Transformation Becomes the Primary Challenge

While much of the discussion around agentic AI focuses on technology, our research suggests workforce transformation may ultimately prove the more significant challenge.

The biggest impact of agentic AI will likely be felt in transactional and analytics roles, reflecting agentic AI’s ability to execute structured workflows, gather information and perform routine decision-making.

At the same time, entirely new workforce requirements are emerging.

Roles Most Likely to Be Displaced or Transformed

The highest-priority future skills include AI model training and governance, change management, and process orchestration. These capabilities represent a shift away from execution and toward oversight, design and optimisation.

The high rating (44%) also given to data literacy/storytelling further emphasises the need to develop understanding and communication skills associated with this new operating environment.

Broader GBS industry data reinforces this trend.

Most Important Skills in a Post-FTE + AI Model

Problem-solving, adaptability and digital proficiency have become core workforce priorities.

Technical expertise alone is insufficient; organisations increasingly require employees capable of operating in dynamic human-AI environments. The scale of the challenge is substantial, however.

Top Skills Prioritised for Recruitment and Training

More than 70% of respondents expect at least a quarter of their workforce to require significant reskilling or upskilling to operate within an agentic AI-enabled workplace. 35% anticipate that more than half their employees will require upskilling.

This highlights a critical dilemma: Today’s workforce requires a significant renewal of its skill set, and yet only a small percentage (13%) of GBS executives believe their current workforce will be able to transition to these new roles. More than 80% are at best “somewhat confident”.

Percentage of Workforce Requiring Reskilling and Upskilling

This suggests that talent strategy may become one of the biggest determinants of AI success.