LISLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 23, 2025--
Today, DeVry University released its third annual report on upskilling and reskilling the U.S. workforce amid various dynamic shifts, including the rapid adoption of AI and an increasingly volatile economy. In partnership with independent research firm Reputation Leaders, the research reveals a growing gap between employers and workers on the skills needed to deploy a future-ready workforce.
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The report, Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America’s Talent Economy, surveyed more than 1,500 workers and over 500 hiring decision-makers from a mix of industries to uncover current gaps and opportunities in upskilling and reskilling.
“This year’s research reveals an interesting dynamic we’re calling a ‘silent standoff’ in the workplace,” said Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. “While both workers and employers feel equipped for the present, many doubt their readiness for the future. When workers assume they’re prepared and employers fear they are not, the result is paralysis. Now more than ever, it’s critical to bridge this gap and create a roadmap for upskilling, reskilling and long-term workforce readiness.”
The research identified the following points of tension with actionable takeaways for employers and workers to help bridge divergent perspectives and foster long-term growth:
When it comes to skills development, employers and workers have misaligned needs—and perceptions.
Despite economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, 85% of workers feel confident they don’t need further qualifications to stay employable within the next five years, while 69% of employers worry that their workforce lacks the skills needed for future success. This dynamic creates an environment where workers feel disengaged, while employers are anxious but unclear about how to move forward. As hiring slows and upskilling lags, both sides must collaborate to bridge this gap, otherwise, progress will remain out of reach.
Amid the rapid global adoption of AI, durable—or soft skills—are becoming the new job security.
As AI transforms the workplace, durable skills like critical thinking, communication and adaptability are emerging as the true drivers of job security and career advancement, with 78% of employers and 63% of workers agreeing on their importance. Employers are increasingly prioritizing these human-centric skills over technical expertise, noting them as decisive in promotions and layoffs, yet 66% remain concerned about their workforce’s ability to keep up with AI. While workers highly value AI skills, they lack clarity on how to use them effectively, underscoring the need to nurture durable skills and offer practical guidance and training for workers to unlock their full potential.
Amid a shift in valued credentials and without a clear path for skills development, a growth gridlock is emerging.
Both workers (71%) and employers (81%) say investing time and money in education is worthwhile in today’s economy, reflecting a shared belief in the value of lifelong learning. Recent and skill-specific credentials are now essential, with 86% of employers saying staying current with industry developments is key. However, while 90% of employers claim to offer upskilling benefits, workers report declining access and question whether employers are doing enough to help them build currency.
The silent standoff between employers and workers will continue to accelerate if both groups do not proactively work to bridge the gap.
Today, 75% of employers say they’re doing enough to make workers’ skills resilient in today’s economy, yet 1 in 3 workers disagree, uncovering an emerging skills gap. To overcome this gap and build a resilient workforce, both sides must engage in open dialogue and commit to lifelong learning. Workers should proactively ask employers about talent expectations and pursue flexible, skill-specific learning opportunities, while employers must offer clear guidance, structured training and transparent growth pathways.
“Collaboration is the unlock,” commented Awwad. “That means employers providing clearer pathways and workers embracing lifelong learning, while together aligning on key skills, embracing AI responsibly, and mapping out future competencies. Upskilling must be treated as a national priority. The resilience of our workforce and the vitality of our economy depend on it.”
To view all the findings, click here.
About the Survey
DeVry University engaged Reputation Leaders, an independent research firm, to survey workers and employers about their attitudes and perceptions surrounding upskilling and reskilling between June 17 and July 28, 2025. The worker sample consisted of a total of 1,511 American adults between the ages of 21 and 60. The respondents were employed, underemployed or unemployed but expecting to start work in the next 12 months. The employer sample consisted of 533 hiring decision-makers from a mix of industries, with a particular focus on the technology sector.
About DeVry University
DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org/ ). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu
Today, DeVry University released its third annual report on upskilling and reskilling the U.S. workforce amid various dynamic shifts, including the rapid adoption of AI and an increasingly volatile economy.
