A recent study, surveying 9,000 individuals across seven global markets, demonstrates strong acceptance among workers for AI training provided by companies. In Portugal, 79% of respondents reacted positively to the prospect of employers offering AI tools and training for their use. This figure places Portugal ahead of countries such as Spain (73%), Italy (72%), Germany (68%), the United States (61%), France (55%), and the United Kingdom (54%).
The data highlights that professionals do not view acquiring AI skills as solely an individual responsibility. There is a growing expectation for organizations to actively contribute to their employees' upskilling, providing the necessary resources and opportunities to integrate these technologies into daily professional life.
The relevance of AI is already influencing career choices. In Portugal, 57% of respondents considered it important or decisive for a company to be an 'AI-first' organization—one that places AI at the core of its strategy and culture—when choosing between two similar job offers. Spain follows with 54%, and Germany with 48%.
These findings suggest a shift in how professionals evaluate organizations. The capacity to adopt and utilize Artificial Intelligence, along with a learning culture in this area, may become a crucial differentiator in attracting and retaining talent.
AI is consolidating as a transversal professional skill, relevant across various roles, not just in technology departments. Fields such as marketing, human resources, finance, communication, customer service, management, and operations can significantly benefit from the appropriate use of AI tools to optimize processes and support decision-making.
Essential competencies in this new context include AI fundamentals, the use of specific AI tools, prompt engineering, and fundamentally, critical thinking to analyze and validate the results generated by these technologies.
Continuous training is crucial for adapting to digital transformation. The adoption of new technologies requires not only access to tools but also the professionals' ability to understand their functionality, identify applications, and critically evaluate outcomes. Investing in AI training prepares teams for evolving demands and drives innovation.
With Portugal leading interest in AI training among the analyzed markets, upskilling professionals in this area holds growing importance for the future of work.
