The Readiness Gap and the "Technology Change Quotient"
Discover what drives true adaptability and how to boost readiness.
The readiness gap: Why only 25% of employees are truly prepared for change
Every organisation is talking about transformation, but very few are truly ready for it. The past few years have shown how quickly new technology can change the way we work. Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just two months, and digital collaboration platforms have become everyday essentials. Yet most employees still find it difficult to keep pace.
Forrester’s 2025 study found that only one in four employees feels fully equipped to deal with new technologies. The report introduces a way to measure this readiness, called the Technology Change Quotient (TCQ). It reflects how confident and capable people are in adapting to technological shifts at work.
A high TCQ score doesn’t just mean that employees know how to use digital tools. It shows that they have the mindset, support, and learning culture around them to adapt quickly and stay productive. Workers in these environments are also more likely to describe their jobs as inspiring and their teams as innovative.
So what helps organisations raise their level of readiness? Forrester highlights four areas that make the biggest difference:
1. Leadership that communicates with honesty
Change only works when people trust the reason behind it. Employees are far more willing to engage when leaders are transparent about why change is needed and what it means for them. Clear communication, empathy, and visible support from managers can turn uncertainty into motivation.
2. A culture that embraces learning
Organisations that treat change as part of everyday work, not as a disruption, tend to adapt faster. When teams are encouraged to experiment, share knowledge, and learn from each other, transformation becomes less about compliance and more about progress.
3. Access to time and training
One of the main obstacles to readiness is a lack of learning opportunities. Forrester found that many companies provide just an hour of training when introducing major new tools such as AI assistants, even though employees often need structured guidance over several sessions. Making learning practical, social, and continuous allows people to turn new technology into real improvements in their work.
4. A mindset of curiosity and confidence
Ultimately, readiness starts with the individual. When employees see new technology as a chance to grow, rather than a threat, they’re more likely to explore and share ideas. Encouraging curiosity, mentoring, and recognition for learning effort can help keep that mindset alive.
Turning readiness into resilience
For L&D and transformation leaders, the TCQ concept offers a useful lens on the link between learning and adaptability. The more organisations invest in everyday learning and communication, the easier it becomes for people to absorb change without losing energy or focus.
As we head into another year of rapid innovation, the real competitive advantage won’t come from the next tool or platform. It will instead come from people who can best adapt, learn, and keep moving forward together.
View the full "Prepare Your Workforce for Disruptive Technology Change" 2025 Study from Forrester here.
