New Akkodis report finds enterprises see real AI productivity gains; scaling remains the barrier to ROI
" The capability curve: Building the next generation digital enterprise" report reveals how to bridge worker optimism and leadership caution by aligning systems, governance and human oversight to scale AI responsibly to unlock enterprise value.
ZURICH, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akkodis, a global digital engineering consulting company, today announced the release of its latest report, The capability curve: Building the next generation digital enterprise. Drawing on insights from more than 2,000 business leaders (including 500 CTOs) and 37,500 workers worldwide, the report explores how leaders and employees can co-create AI-confident enterprises that combine human oversight with scalable, responsible AI systems.
The report reveals a defining paradox: while workers are growing more confident in their ability to work with AI, many leaders remain cautious about scaling, governance, and skills.
"AI transformation isn't just about technology—it's about people, trust, structure and shared capability," said Jo Debecker, President and CEO, Akkodis. "This report shows that optimism from the workforce must be matched with system-level confidence from leadership. That's how enterprises turn experimentation into enduring performance."
Key findings
- Confidence gap: 75% of workers say their leaders have sufficient AI knowledge (up from 46% in 2024), while only 62% of leaders are confident in their AI implementation strategies—a 20-point decline from last year.
- Capability challenge: CTOs cite skills gaps as their biggest barrier to transformation, yet just 20% use technology to track or support employee skill growth.
- Productivity and purpose: Workers report saving two hours per day through AI—time reinvested into creativity and strategy—signalling real productivity potential that leaders aim to embed sustainably across enterprise systems.
- Resilient scaling: 57% of CTOs expect AI to reduce workforce size over the next five years, but 59% plan to redeploy employees internally, underscoring a shift toward sustainable workforce adaptation.
From insight to action
The report outlines six actions to build AI-confident enterprises:
- Turn optimism into alignment
- Redesign skills as a partnership
- Elevate AI as a leadership tool
- Embed trust in hybrid workflows
- Scale systems with confidence
- Build a culture of shared accountability
By following these actions, organizations embed humans in the loop at every stage of AI adoption. This is the essence of an AI-confident enterprise and the next frontier of digital transformation.
Bridging the human and technical divide
Case studies featured in the report demonstrate how organizations are embedding AI into real-world operations—from healthcare manufacturers optimizing supply and demand in seconds to engineering teams connecting digital twins and model-based systems for traceable, scalable innovation.
Together, these examples illustrate the report's central theme: the future of digital transformation depends on technology amplifying human potential and capability, rather than replacing it.
This report was developed from three major studies—Adecco Group's Global Workforce of the Future and Business Leaders 2025 reports (Humanity at work: How to thrive in the AI era and Leading in the Age of AI: Expectations versus reality), along with Akkodis' 2025 What CTOs Think: Using digital transformation to scale skills and unlock enterprise potential.
"The capability curve: Building the next digital enterprise" report is available here.
Editor Notes:
The comprehensive recommendations and actions can be found on page 14 of the report.
Media contacts
Anne Friedrich
SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis
E. anne.friedrich@adeccogroup.com
Lisa Bushka
VP, External Communications, Akkodis
E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com
About Akkodis
Akkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we combine technology and talent to deliver end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting to talent development and implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 50,000 engineers and tech consultants in over 30 countries with services that span Consulting, Talent, Solutions, and Academy. With a cross-sector view and strong delivery capabilities, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| X
About the Adecco Group
The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com
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