8th May 2025
The AI revolution in workplace skill development is no longer on the horizon; it’s already underway. As AI tools reshape ways of working, HR and L&D leaders at global companies are facing a pivotal challenge: how to harness the efficiencies offered by AI without compromising high-level human skills.
Research for EF Corporate Learning’s recent EdTech Review took the pulse from HR and L&D decision-makers at multinational businesses on the influence of AI in corporate intercultural communication. Generally, the outlook was positive, as seen in the below word cloud generated from participants’ responses on the impact of AI in company communications. The frequent appearance of words like “helped” and “improved” highlight a narrative of enablement rather than hindrance, among other key themes like “language” and “time”.
However, the research also revealed concerns about overuse of AI-driven communication leading to a lack of personalization and employee development. Among participants, 22% have witnessed skill development replaced by AI tools, signaling a risk for the long-term growth of employees. In this context, how can HR leaders ensure AI is used to unlock greater human skills, rather than replace them?
Is 'downskilling' the risk of over-automation?
AI-powered communication tools – from instant translation to automated meeting summaries – are rapidly changing how global teams interact. While these tools offer efficiency, they also present new risks and risk a potential ‘downskilling’ of employees. As Lee Schuneman, President of EF EdTech, explains, “you might have a short-term boost, but the individual’s overuse of those tools means they’re not thinking critically, they’re not having the right communication, they’re not challenging themselves and others.”
This is especially apparent when it comes to intercultural communication, where miscommunications are already arising due to an overreliance of AI tools. As one research participant explains:
“People used web tools to translate their communications before AI. This does not change much. The thing is now, people do not produce their own content, which leads to more misunderstandings.”
The more employees rely on AI to ‘speak’ for them, the less they will hone effective communication skills. What is more, AI can mask this lack of expertise, meaning companies are unable to recognize the need for development, until it becomes apparent in circumstances like relationship building or in-person meetings.
AI literacy: the next skills gap?
Alongside concerns about communication skills, HR leaders are increasingly identifying AI literacy as an emerging barrier to progress. As digital tools evolve rapidly, not all employees are equally prepared to engage with them – particularly when it comes to understanding and effectively using AI.
This gap is already being felt on the ground. As one research participant noted:
“I see that many employees tend to have a lot of difficulties with the use of technology, and this ends up leaving them a little behind the others.”
Without proactive support, those lacking confidence or familiarity with AI tools risk being sidelined – exacerbating inequality in access to development opportunities.
Beyond access, how people are taught to use AI is also crucial. Dr. Christopher McCormick, Chief Academic Officer at EF Corporate Learning, explains, “the degree that you’re AI literate, the degree that you’re trained to be critical thinking using the tools has an impact on whether or not we see a decline in your critical thinking skills and reasoning skills.” In other words, AI literacy isn’t just a technical competency – it’s a foundation for maintaining and enhancing analytical thinking.
The opportunity: AI as a training partner
The key, then, is not to reject AI, but to redirect it – toward enhancing, not replacing, human capability. Already, 58% of HR leaders report improvements in communication thanks to AI-backed L&D programs. This is especially true for complex communication skills like language fluency, cultural intelligence, and cross-border collaboration.
EF’s pioneering integration of AI in corporate language training exemplifies how it can be used to identify skills gaps, foster digital confidence, and build intercultural communication skills. From free AI-powered assessments to on-demand, roleplay-based fluency training, these innovations help learners practice real-world communication in a low-pressure, high-frequency environment.
Integrating AI into training enables a more personalized approach to learning and feedback, in a way that traditional methods would not be able to scale. AI used like this becomes a training partner to build human skills, ensuring no one is left behind.
Bringing skill development into the age of AI
The future of workforce development won’t be defined by AI alone, but by how organizations choose to use it. Beyond integration, the challenge is direction.
AI should enable employees to connect, grow, and lead – not retreat behind tools that do the talking for them. When applied intentionally, AI can unlock new levels of language fluency, communication agility, and critical thinking – the very skills that define success in a globalized workplace.
As one research participant noted:
“AI will be a major player to improve productivity and dedicate human resources to teamwork and complex skills.”
That future is already taking shape. With intentional design and inclusive training, AI can go beyond streamlining tasks to cultivate the critical human capabilities for lasting business success.
Watch on-demand: AI and Personalized Learning
For more on the opportunities and challenges of AI and personalized learning, hear from Lee Schuneman, President of EF EdTech. Watch the full recording of his session at our Global Summit 2025 here.
Video chapters
[00:04] Making personal learning accessible to everyone
[04:29] What delivers the best student outcomes?
[06:55] Supercharging traditional classrooms
[13:10] Will AI replace or augment human teachers?
[21:00] The future of AI in education
Interested in learning more about how to unlock the power of AI in language learning?
