The AI era is significantly transforming the workforce. With companies facing a tight labor market, they are turning to technology to boost productivity. Simultaneously, workers aim to enhance their skills to evolve alongside their organizations, ensuring not only job security but also career advancement. “Employers and leaders are being tasked with doing more with less, meaning each individual in the organization must perform at their best to increase output and productivity, ” said Bijal Shah, CEO of Guild, an education benefits company that offers a platform for employees to earn degrees and certificates to progress their careers. Shah, who earned a spot on the 2025 CNBC Changemakers list, noted that disruptive forces like AI, which reshape companies and the economy, require workforces to be resilient. This resilience is essential for both employees and companies to remain competitive. Additionally, Shah emphasized that workplace mobility—the ability of employees to adapt and evolve to fill in-demand roles—is a vital metric determining whether companies and workers will successfully navigate these disruptions or fall behind. “CEOs and leadership teams are focused on figuring out how to do more with less, ” Shah explained. “Therefore, retaining your most valuable employees—those with domain expertise and knowledge—is crucial. ” A key strategy, according to Shah, involves developing career ladders within organizations.

Workers who can grow into critical talent not only fill key roles but are also more likely to stay with their companies. Paul Marchand, chief human resources officer at Charter Communications, the telecom company employing over 90, 000 people, described a “virtuous cycle” in implementing talent development programs. “The longer someone stays with us, working diligently and growing, the more committed they become to delivering an excellent customer experience, ” Marchand said. “That customer satisfaction fosters retention, which aligns perfectly with our business goals. ” In 2023, Charter launched a tuition-free education benefit for employees through a partnership with Guild, offering a structured career progression program. To date, about 13% of Charter’s workforce has enrolled in or completed courses, mostly frontline, customer-facing employees. Data from Charter shows that employees who have utilized the program are promoted at a 20% higher rate than others, and are 19% more likely to remain with the company. “We’re witnessing a shift from viewing work as ‘just a job’ to embracing a career path with promotion potential, ” Marchand said. “Employees now feel part of a team, engaged, empowered, and see clear pathways forward—opening up meaningful conversations. ” Shah stressed that in today’s workforce, where companies seek highly productive employees, it is essential to make such programs accessible and ensure workers understand these career pathways. “Individuals willing to invest in themselves, stay loyal to their employers, and continuously develop their skills are becoming increasingly valuable, ” she said. “Employers are beginning to confront this reality and ask themselves, ‘What can I do to help my workforce keep pace with changing demands?’”