Upskill at peak: Why 60% of Gen Z are mastering AI and data

Generation Z and fresh graduates are driving India’s skilling ecosystem, with the majority actively learning artificial intelligence (AI) and data skills, according to a report by global payroll and compliance platform Deel.

The survey, conducted among 5,058 employees across Gen Z (28 or under), millennials (29–44), and Gen X (45–60), revealed that 96% of white-collar professionals upskilled in the past year. However, learning priorities vary sharply across generations.

Gen Z and fresh graduates are leading the upskilling trend at 61% and 63%, respectively, with access to learning opportunities a key factor influencing early-career retention. Over half of Gen Z (54%) and freshers (57%) are actively acquiring AI and data skills, whereas only 40% of millennials and 38% of Gen X are engaging in new learning initiatives.

Two-thirds of Gen Z (66%) are confident their skills will stay relevant over the next five years, compared with less than half of millennials (48%) and just over a third of Gen X (36%). The report also identifies barriers: 31% of Gen Z cite cost, 35% of millennials struggle with time constraints, and 29% of Gen X point to limited employer support.

The findings underline the growing importance of flexible, accessible learning programmes tailored to different generations to bridge the skills gap and strengthen workforce retention.

The Deel report highlights a generational divide in India’s workforce. Gen Z and fresh graduates are highly motivated to upskill, driven by career growth, emerging technology, and the desire to remain employable. In contrast, millennials tend to balance upskilling with work and personal commitments, while Gen X continues to prioritise traditional domain expertise.

Upskilling emerges as a significant factor in employee retention for younger workers, with over 60% indicating that access to learning opportunities influences their decision to stay with an employer. The rise of AI and data-centric roles is shaping these learning trends, reflecting both industry demand and personal ambition.

The report suggests that organisations can benefit from designing generationally tailored learning programmes to ensure employees remain engaged and competitive, ultimately bridging the gap between evolving workplace demands and existing skills.
(With IANS inputs)