3 in 5 companies unprepared for digital reskilling

Recruiters are not future-proofing their human resources for the disruption AI brings.

Only two in five (42%) of companies in Hong Kong feel confident about their ability to reskill their current employee base, according to a survey from HR consulting firm Mercer, reflecting the lack of preparation for the disruption AI will bring to the workplace.

Also read: Hong Kong bosses prefer to upskill rather than hire to combat market disruption

Although bosses recognise the need to implement organisational changes amidst ongoing digital innovation, only 34% are increasing access to online learning courses and only a fourth are actively rotating talent within the business structure.

Also read: Employees call for more government upskilling incentives

“In Hong Kong, it’s a given that digital disruption means companies must change, but the how is a vastly more complex proposition. Our research shows that speed of change remains the number one challenge for Hong Kong businesses, very few of whom believe they are agile enough to embrace the required changes,” said Mercer regional practice leader Jackson Kam.

To keep in step with technological innovations, companies must need to update their HR models for the digital age with bosses expecting stiffer competition which they plan to alleviate through temp and contractual work.

“Gaining greater access to talent through a broader ecosystem is part of the solution. Companies also need to deploy talent faster and with precision to unlock the potential of their workforce,” said Mercer career global practice leader Kate Bravery.

In fact, only 4% of organisations in Hong Kong consider themselves digital as opposed to the global average of 15%. Whilst almost six in 10 (57%) of employees believe that digital tools are important for their work, only 37% say that they have the necessary digital tools to do their jobs.

“When we are living digitally, working flexibly and being rewarded uniquely, we will unlock growth in the Human Age,” Bravery added.

Also Read

Businesses to focus on sustainability, workforce upskilling in 2025: report

3 in 10 companies to raise salary budget in 2025 to attract talent

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

I want to download the media kit