India’s AI-Ready Workforce Outpaces Global Trends: Kyndryl
India has emerged as a global frontrunner in preparing its
workforce for the age of artificial intelligence, according to Kyndryl’s latest
People Readiness Report. While nearly all surveyed businesses (95%) across the
globe have implemented AI, only 14% have successfully matched that with
meaningful workforce transformation. In contrast, India shows stronger
alignment: 37% of Indian leaders say their employees are fully prepared for AI
today, and 57% believe they’re future-ready.
The
report, based on insights from over 1,000 senior leaders across industries and
regions, reveals a widening gap between AI deployment and employee readiness
worldwide. Yet India appears to buck this trend. A remarkable 72% of Indian
executives are focused on upskilling their existing workforce, instead of
relying on new hires.
A particularly employee-first finding: 41% of Indian firms have
adopted human-centric AI systems—tools designed to support employee well-being
and engagement rather than simply boost efficiency.
Despite
the optimism, integration challenges remain. Over half of Indian leaders (61%)
cite difficulties in blending AI with legacy systems, and 52% admit to facing
critical skill shortages. Globally, a trust deficit also persists: 45% of CEOs
believe their employees remain sceptical or even resistant to AI in the
workplace.
“Being
AI-ready isn’t just about systems—it’s about people,” said Maryjo Charbonnier,
Chief Human Resources Officer at Kyndryl. “The organisations leading in AI
today are those actively building employee trust, transparency and talent
pathways.”
The
report highlights that successful companies—termed “AI Pacesetters”—are those
investing in skill audits, change management, and cultural alignment to foster
an AI-positive workplace. These companies are 67% more likely to have accurate
skill inventories and three times more likely to have a change strategy in
place.
In
a time when AI investments are surging but talent alignment is lacking, India’s
people-first approach may be setting the global standard for truly future-ready
workplaces.
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