Organizations are under increasing pressure to modernize workforce development strategies as rapid technological advancements continue reshaping business operations. New research from CompTIA reveals that companies recognize the importance of skills development, yet many still lack structured programs to address evolving workforce demands.
According to CompTIA’s "Workforce and Learning Trends 2026" report, organizations are increasingly viewing workforce development as essential for long-term business growth and operational resilience. The findings indicate that while awareness around skills development is high, execution remains inconsistent across organizations.
A net 83% of HR professionals and IT leaders surveyed agreed that improving employee skills is imperative within their organizations. However, only 34% reported having formal organization-wide reskilling or upskilling programs currently in place.
"Companies were already struggling to maximize their ability to reap benefits from digital transformation," said Seth Robinson, vice president, industry research, CompTIA. "Now, the pace of change, and the risk of falling behind, has accelerated. This makes it critical for organizations to re-examine attitudes and practices on finding new talent, improving skills over time and retaining a stable workforce."
The report identifies artificial intelligence as a major catalyst for workforce transformation, increasing the need for AI fluency among employees and advanced technical expertise among IT teams. However, CompTIA notes that AI is not the sole factor contributing to widening skill gaps.
Approximately 80% of HR and IT respondents believe skill shortages are also driven by broader technology changes associated with ongoing digital transformation. As businesses continue integrating new digital systems and platforms, the demand for digital fluency across departments is rapidly increasing.
Training investments reflect these priorities. Around 62% of organizations expect to increase spending on AI-related training, while 51% plan to invest more heavily in digital fluency initiatives.
Organizations are increasingly linking workforce development efforts to measurable business outcomes. Improving productivity emerged as the primary driver behind employee training and skills development programs.
HR professionals also identified employee engagement and workforce retention as significant benefits of training initiatives. Meanwhile, IT leaders believe upskilling programs can strengthen alignment between technology initiatives and broader organizational objectives.
Despite growing momentum around workforce development, organizations continue facing operational and financial barriers. Training costs remain the biggest challenge, followed by difficulties in execution and performance measurement.
The study also highlights the growing importance of validating employee skills through certifications and credentialing programs. A significant 97% of organizations acknowledged the importance of validating skills acquired through training programs.
Additionally, 94% of respondents reported using professional certifications as a factor in evaluating job candidates, reinforcing the role of certifications in modern hiring and workforce development strategies.
CompTIA’s "Workforce and Learning Trends 2026" study is based on an April 2026 survey of 1,049 HR, learning and development, and IT professionals.
As organizations continue navigating AI adoption and digital transformation, the research suggests that companies prioritizing structured workforce development and continuous learning will be better positioned to remain competitive and future-ready.
CompTIA, Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral training and certification products in the information technology (IT) space. Over four million CompTIA certifications have been awarded to current and aspiring technology workers, business professionals, government and military personnel, career changers, students and others. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions, governments, training providers and workforce development organizations, CompTIA uses best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources to help job seekers reach their full potential and employers develop skilled technical talent.
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