D2L Survey Reveals How AI is Beginning to Reshape Entry-Level Work and the Talent Pipeline
D2L Survey Reveals How AI is Beginning to Reshape Entry-Level Work and the Talent Pipeline |
| [12-May-2026] |
Results find AI is associated with rising productivity expectations and changes to early career tasks, and exposing gaps in workforce training TORONTO, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - D2L, a global leader in learning innovation, today released its latest report with Morning Consult, The Future of Work and Learning: GenAI Impact on Entry-Level Work, which examines how U.S.–based HR leaders surveyed perceive generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to be influencing entry-level work, hiring strategies, and long-term talent development. According to the respondents, the report also highlights perceived growing gaps in problem solving, interpersonal, and communication skills among junior professionals. D2L's annual report on the future of work and skills development surveyed human resources and talent acquisition decision-makers in the United States to better understand how GenAI is influencing hiring decisions and talent strategies. HR leaders surveyed report that while entry-level hiring is not disappearing entirely, AI is beginning to influence the work traditionally assigned to early career professionals and increasing expectations for what entry-level workers can produce from day one. As organizations trade long-term talent development for short-term efficiency, they may risk weakening the talent pipeline that generates the on-the-job learning and experience needed for early career professionals to become future subject-matter experts and leaders. The respondents surveyed reveal:
"The risk isn't simply that AI changes aspects of entry-level hiring. It's that it may reduce some of the foundational on-the-job learning that comes with the cognitive struggle and tasks inherent in entry-level work that people need to grow into experienced subject matter experts and future leaders," said Sandy Rezendes, Head of Corporate Learning and Development at D2L. "Organizations may gain efficiency in the short term, but if they don't also invest in intentional learning, upskilling, and development, they may risk creating a talent gap down the road as they're not growing their own experienced workforce. This is a moment for employers to treat learning as a strategic investment in the future of their workforce." The report recommends that employers respond by investing in structured learning programs, internal apprenticeships and rotational opportunities, AI-enabled training simulations, and skills-based hiring practices that prioritize critical thinking, communication, and AI literacy. It also highlights several opportunities for higher education leaders to better prepare graduates for the AI-enabled workplace. "Organizations are at an inflection point. AI is accelerating productivity, but it's also disrupting the developmental pathways that have historically built expertise. Without intentional investment in learning, companies risk creating a long-term leadership gap," said Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer at Brandon Hall Group, in response to The Future of Work and Learning: GenAI Impact on Entry-Level Work. Read the full report, The Future of Work and Learning: GenAI Impact on Entry-Level Work , to explore all findings and recommendations. Survey methodology Join the conversation About D2L D2L Media Contact: The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L Asia Pte Ltd, D2L India Pvt Ltd, D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda and D2L Sistemas de Aprendizaje Innovadores, S. D2 R.L de C.V., and H5P Group AS. All D2L and H5P marks are owned by the D2L group of companies. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE D2L | ||
Company Codes: Toronto:DTOL |
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