Small Businesses Use AI Upskilling to Attract Top Talent

A study by General Assembly reveals that small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) are using AI upskilling as a strategic tool to attract and retain top talent. Surveying 526 HR and learning and development leaders in the United States and the United Kingdom, the research found that 81% of SMB HR leaders find recruitment easier as workers seek stability amid layoffs and benefit reductions at larger firms.

The findings indicate that role-specific AI training tailored to functions like marketing or HR is the most effective strategy, surpassing tool-specific training or on-the-job experimentation. While 87% of SMBs report a return on investment from AI, 32% cite a lack of skills as the primary barrier to scaling their adoption.

SMBs are currently prioritizing AI to save time (43%) and drive growth (36%), with only 21% focusing on cost reduction. CEO Daniele Grassi noted that growth-stage companies view AI adoption as a catalyst rather than a cost-cutting exercise, suggesting that the right AI skills now provide a critical competitive advantage.