AI professionals form a redefined workforce. But systemic roadblocks persist, survey finds
The report reveals the widening mismatch between what organizations offer and what top AI professionals seek in their careers.
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[Image source: Krishna Prasad/MITSMR Middle East]
As AI reshapes industries, the roadblock for AI talent is no longer just about hiring—it’s about understanding what motivates a uniquely skilled and highly selective workforce.
A new study by UAE-based technology group G42, in collaboration with Semafor, offers fresh insights into the evolving expectations of AI professionals and the structural shifts organizations must make to remain competitive.
Titled “What AI Experts Want from Their Employers,” the report draws on responses from 750 AI specialists across leading talent hubs.
AI job postings are growing 3.5 times faster than the overall market, while 86% of employers expect AI to fundamentally transform their business models. The report reveals the widening mismatch between what organizations offer and what top AI professionals seek in their careers.
Core drivers of career decisions include compensation (68% rank it as important, but only 43% are satisfied), job security (70% vs. 48%), and work-life balance (67% vs. 48%). Competitive salaries, cutting-edge AI projects, and robust benefits packages remain crucial incentives—but they’re not enough on their own.
“This report reinforces what we see every day: that attracting and retaining AI talent goes far beyond compensation, it’s about purpose, opportunity, and impact,” said Maymee Kurian, Group Human Capital and Culture Officer at G42.
The report reveals nuanced differences across roles and seniority levels. Research-oriented professionals prioritize autonomy and international collaboration, while implementation experts value high earnings, ethical AI practices, and accelerated growth. Senior talent is drawn to leadership opportunities and mission-driven projects, whereas junior professionals look for flexibility, mentorship, and hands-on learning.
On the skills front, deep learning, data engineering, and programming are considered essential across experience levels. However, senior roles emphasize machine learning specialization, while implementation roles prize cybersecurity knowledge and intellectual agility.
Workplace flexibility continues to be a differentiator: 70% of associate-level professionals prefer hybrid work, compared to 53% of team leaders, reflecting generational and functional differences in work expectations.
Key Recommendations for Employers:
- Align roles with candidates’ deeper motivations: Innovation, autonomy, and impact matter as much as pay.
- Design dual career tracks: One for technical expertise, another for leadership and deployment.
- Prioritize flexibility and work-life balance: Especially for emerging AI professionals.
- Invest in skills development and ethical AI training: Building future-proof teams requires more than technical prowess.
- Think globally: Competitive compensation and remote-first options will widen your talent pipeline.
“The most sought-after professionals today want to work on cutting-edge projects, in organisations that align with their values and offer room to grow and lead,” Kurian added. “As the global competition for AI talent intensifies, at G42 we’re committed to building a workplace that not only meets those expectations but redefines them.”
