Study shows women less willing to embrace AI up-skilling

The latest research study indicates that women are much less keen than men on gaining the knowledge and skills needed to utilise artificial intelligence (AI).

This study was produced by Robert Half, a recruitment company. It is called the Candidate Sentiment Survey, and it covers a range of different workplace topics, including AI. The findings on that subject make for particularly interesting reading though, as they reveal a clear gender divide.

Over 38% of male respondents told the survey that they were intending to develop their skills in AI during 2025. That amounts to more than one third. By contrast, just 27% of women said the same.

In response to these findings, Matt Weston from Robert Half has called on companies to support their female workers in this process. Speaking to HR Magazine, he said:

“First and foremost, HR leaders must ensure that the AI tools they are expecting their workforce to use are paired with inclusive training programmes.”

For that to be possible, companies need to have an inclusive culture to begin with. Bringing in culture change consulting services can help them to make that leap, if they have not already done so.

It is certainly a serious issue, as AI is set to become more prevalent in UK workplaces. There are concerns that a gender gap in its adoption could lead to widening workplace inequality.

However, Carina Cortez from the Cornerstone software company stated that this gap has already begun to close.