Ernst & Young’s U.S. division has announced plans to allocate $100 million in employee rewards this fiscal year to recognize those who demonstrate critical human skills alongside proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative aims to highlight attributes such as adaptability, innovation, judgment, and experimentation with AI technologies, reflecting the firm’s shift toward balancing technological adoption with essential human capabilities.
Under the program, individuals can receive spot awards of up to $500, while employees and teams that deliver significant contributions to the company may earn cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. This represents a substantial increase from previous maximum awards, indicating the firm’s commitment to reinforcing behaviors it deems crucial for its future and that of its clients.
Ginnie Carlier, chief talent and culture officer for EY Americas, emphasized that the company views this approach as part of a broader transformation in professional development, stating that addressing these challenges requires “a sustainable, radical change” rather than a single training course or program. The initiative accompanies broader efforts to revamp training across all levels of the organization, from interns to senior leaders.
EY’s move reflects a broader industry trend whereby professional services firms are recalibrating their focus amid the growing integration of AI in the workplace. While earlier incentives encouraged the use of AI tools, there is now greater recognition that human judgment and creativity remain vital to leveraging technology effectively. Firms such as KPMG and PwC have also adjusted their training, highlighting critical thinking, empathy, and creativity alongside AI competencies.
AI’s impact extends beyond workforce skills, influencing business models as well. Many firms, including EY, are shifting from traditional hourly billing to outcomes-based pricing, as AI reduces the time required for routine tasks. Despite these operational shifts, EY reported a 30 percent year-over-year increase in AI-related revenue for 2025, underscoring the technology’s role in driving growth.
EY’s expanded reward program also includes a career residency offering up to 12 months of additional training following an eight-week internship, aiming to provide young employees with extensive coaching and practical experience. The firm has invested in immersive boot camps focused on AI, data analytics, and software engineering to further enhance its talent pipeline.
By prioritizing human skills alongside AI capabilities, EY seeks to attract and retain talent in a rapidly evolving market, signaling the firm’s recognition that success in a technology-driven environment depends on blending innovation with the nuanced abilities that only people can provide.