A small fraction of the labor force has received education in artificial intelligence
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), the European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards ensuring that employees in companies using AI are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. The EU AI Act, which came into effect in February 2025, mandates that all providers and deployers of AI systems ensure their employees, contractors, and other relevant third parties have a sufficient level of AI literacy.
The key requirements of the EU AI Act include a basic understanding of AI, clarity of roles and risks, tailored training, no mandatory testing, and compliance flexibility. Employees must understand what AI is, how it works, its benefits, and its dangers. Organisations must clarify whether they are AI creators or users, and ensure awareness of specific risks, especially for high-risk systems. Training programs must be tailored to the employees’ backgrounds, technical knowledge, and the real-world context of their work.
A recent survey by Bitkom, a German digital association, revealed that only one in five employees in Germany have been trained in handling Artificial Intelligence by their employer. This statistic underscores the need for companies to prioritise AI training for their staff, as many employees also use private AI apps for work.
The survey did not provide data on the percentage of respondents who are already using AI tools in their work or the percentage of people who do not expect changes to their workplace due to AI. However, many working people in the survey expect significant changes to their workplace due to AI in the coming years. A further 6% of employees in Germany have available AI training but have not taken it up.
The survey did not provide data on the percentage of respondents who are managers and their fears about being replaced by AI. Every third respondent (33%) believes that AI could replace their managers. This suggests a need for managers to also be equipped with the necessary AI skills to navigate the changing landscape of work.
The EU AI Act is a significant step towards ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically. The Act requires all companies using AI to ensure that those involved have sufficient AI competence. Failure to demonstrate adequate AI literacy and training when required can result in non-compliance findings, reputational harm, and potential sanctions from authorities once enforcement begins.
The enforcement of the AI literacy requirements under the AI Act will start on August 3, 2026. Other provisions, especially those concerning high-risk systems and general-purpose AI, will come into force progressively between August 2025 and August 2027. Non-compliance with the AI literacy requirements may lead to regulatory action, but specific fines are not yet outlined for non-compliance with literacy provisions. For other prohibited or high-risk AI practices, fines can be up to €35 million or 7% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher.
In conclusion, companies using AI in the EU must ensure meaningful, risk-based AI literacy among their staff, or risk regulatory and financial consequences once enforcement begins. It is crucial for employees to know how to use AI tools correctly, to be aware of the possibilities and limitations of the technology, as well as data protection and data security. As AI continues to reshape the workplace, it is essential for both employers and employees to adapt and embrace the opportunities and challenges that AI presents.
- Under the EU AI Act, employers are mandated to provide AI literacy training to their employees, contractors, and relevant third parties to ensure a basic understanding of AI and its implications in the workplace.
- As the enforcement of the EU AI Act approaches in August 2026, it is crucial for employees to understand the technology, especially the potential risks and benefits, in order to contend with the changing landscape of work and avoid regulatory and financial consequences.
