EY US invests $100 million in human skills rewards for AI era

EY US has announced a $100 million investment in a new employee reward program designed to incentivize “human core skills” that remain critical in the age of artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to reward staff for demonstrating business judgment, adaptability, leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

The reward structure is divided into three tiers: everyday leadership, transformation with measurable results, and exceptional performance with profound corporate impact. Individual rewards can reach up to $500 for immediate recognition, while significant contributions to the company or teams can earn between $10,000 and $25,000.

EY leadership, including Americas Talent and Culture Lead Ginnie Carlier and US CEO Dante D’Egidio, emphasized that the program seeks to foster curiosity and continuous learning. The goal is to ensure employees can combine AI tools with professional judgment to create irreplaceable value. This move comes as the professional services industry faces a shifting talent landscape, where the ability to interpret AI outputs and manage complex, emotional, or high-risk human interactions is becoming a key differentiator.