Gen Z races ahead in AI skills, Gen X left behind
Younger employees are driving India’s professional training movement, with most actively developing capabilities in artificial intelligence and data analysis, a study released on Wednesday showed. The research from Deel, which handles international payroll and regulatory compliance, examined responses from 5,058 workers spanning three age categories and found that 96 percent of office professionals enhanced their abilities during the previous 12 months.
Workers aged 28 and below accounted for 61 percent of those pursuing new competencies, while recent employment market entrants reached 63 percent. More than half of the youngest cohort is studying machine learning and information management systems. Those between 29 and 44 years old showed lower engagement at 40 percent, and employees aged 45 through 60 concentrated primarily on established professional functions rather than emerging technologies at 38 percent.
The youngest segment expressed the highest concern about expenses limiting their educational pursuits at 31 percent, according to Mark Samlal, who oversees Asia-Pacific operations for the platform. Middle-aged respondents cited insufficient hours as their main obstacle at 35 percent, while older participants identified inadequate organizational backing at 29 percent. Access to skill-building programs emerged as a significant factor for retention among younger professionals.
