IBM reports 85% of CEOs expect positive ROI from AI efficiency by 2027. Meanwhile, 77% foresee growth gains from AI initiatives. The 2025 CEO Study shows 61% are actively adopting or scaling AI agents now.
The push isn’t just about tools. IBM’s Kim Morick calls out companies for focusing too narrowly on platforms without changing roles or skills. 54% of CEOs say they are hiring AI-related roles that didn’t exist just a year ago.
Morick says companies need a people-first approach—building AI literacy and redesigning work to boost human skills, not just plug in tech. CEOs are mixing strategies: “buy, build, bot, borrow” to cover talent gaps. 
“One of the biggest misconceptions I’m seeing is that companies think bringing AI into their workforce starts and ends with adopting new tools,” Kim Morick, IBM’s global HR technology offering leader said.
“They assume selecting the right platforms is enough, without fully addressing how work, roles and skills need to evolve alongside the technology.”
HR leaders must help managers and executives get clear on AI’s impact. 69% of CEOs say success depends on broad leadership who combine strategy and decision power.
Morick wants HR teams to prioritize role-specific AI training in the next 6-12 months. Generic modules won’t cut it. Drill down to team skills and embed training into workflows. Key skills: data literacy, prompt engineering, governance — plus critical thinking to judge AI outputs.
“We need to give employees practical tools, like real-world training examples, coaching and clear guidelines on using AI responsibly,” Morick explained.
“So they have room to try things out and keep learning as they go.”
Tracking success means more than training completion. IBM says monitor if employees actually use AI tools well and feel confident. Real results show up when people know AI and feel supported.
IBM also warns nearly one-third of the workforce needs reskilling in the next three years to stay competitive.
For deeper insight, register now to hear IBM’s Nickle LaMoreaux at HR Tech on AI myths and moments.
