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FinanceErnst & Young US commits $100M in bonuses for human skills amid AI push
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Ernst & Young's U.S. division has committed $100 million this fiscal year to reward employees who demonstrate adaptability, innovation, and judgment—traits the firm views as essential for translating AI adoption into meaningful results. Spot awards top out at $500 per individual, while employees or teams making significant contributions can receive cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, a ceiling five times higher than under the previous program. There is no cap on total individual rewards, and employees can nominate colleagues at any level. The program also covers experimentation with AI. Ginnie Carlier, chief talent and culture officer for EY Americas, framed the effort as a long-term undertaking requiring sustainable, radical change. The bonuses are part of a broader push to rethink talent development across all career stages, including a career residency offering up to 12 months of training after internships. EY reports that 95% of its partners have completed in-person sessions on how AI can reshape business models. Competitors KPMG and PwC are also restructuring training to prioritize human skills alongside AI proficiency. EY's AI-related revenue rose 30% year-over-year in 2025.
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Source: Quartz / Bloomberg via Getty Images Author: Cris Tolomia Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ernst & Young's U.S. division has committed $100 million this fiscal year to rewarding employees who demonstrate adaptability, innovation, and judgment — traits the firm considers essential for translating AI adoption into meaningful business outcomes.
Bonus Structure
- Spot awards top out at $500 per individual.
- Employees or teams whose contributions significantly impact the firm are eligible for cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 — a ceiling five times higher than under the previous program.
- There is no cap on how much any individual can receive overall.
- Employees can nominate colleagues at any level.
The reward program also covers experimentation with AI, not just the human skills needed alongside it.
Leadership Perspective
"What we recognize signals what we value." — Ginnie Carlier, Chief Talent and Culture Officer, EY Americas
Carlier described the initiative as a long-term commitment:
"This isn't a problem that can be solved with a training course or a single program; it's going to take a sustainable, radical change."
Broader Talent Development Efforts
The bonuses are part of a wider push to rethink how the firm develops its people, spanning every career stage — from entry-level interns to senior leaders. Key initiatives include:
- A career residency offering up to 12 months of training after the standard eight-week internship.
- 95% of partners have completed in-person sessions on how AI can reshape business models and workflows.
Industry Context
Ernst & Young is not alone in prioritizing human skills as AI becomes more embedded in daily work:
- KPMG restructured its audit internship curriculum this summer, focusing more on critical thinking and sound judgment.
- PwC U.S. introduced a new training program earlier this year to develop AI proficiency alongside human qualities such as empathy and creativity.
Financial Impact
Professional-services firms are also rethinking fee structures, as AI-driven efficiency gains reduce hours required for routine work, making output-based pricing increasingly attractive. EY reported that its AI-related revenue rose 30% year-over-year in 2025, the most recent data available.
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Ernst & Young commits $100 million in bonuses for U.S. employees demonstrating human skills alongside AI adoption