Ernst & Young Gives $100M in Bonuses for 'Human' Skills
The firm is rewarding employees who exhibit adaptability, innovation, and judgment with spot awards up to $500 and team prizes up to $25,000, as it prioritizes these skills in the face of increasing AI adoption
Ernst & Young's U.S. division has committed $100 million this fiscal year to rewarding employees who exhibit adaptability, innovation, and judgment. The bonuses are part of a wider push to rethink how the firm develops its people and prepares for a 'tech-led, human-powered world'.
The reward program includes spot awards of up to $500 per individual, and employees or teams whose contributions significantly move the needle for the firm are eligible for cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. There is no cap on how much any individual can receive overall, and employees can nominate colleagues at any level.
EY recently announced a career residency offering up to 12 months of training after the standard eight-week internship. Additionally, 95% of EY's partners have completed in-person sessions on how AI can reshape business models and workflows. The firm's AI-related revenue rose 30% year-over-year in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of AI in its operations.
Other firms are also prioritizing human skills as AI becomes more embedded in daily work. KPMG restructured its audit internship curriculum this summer to focus on developing critical thinking and sound judgment among participants. PwC U.S. introduced a new training program earlier this year to develop AI proficiency alongside human qualities such as empathy and creativity.
## Why it matters The move by Ernst & Young to prioritize human skills reflects a broader shift in the industry towards recognizing the importance of skills that are complementary to AI. As AI adoption increases, firms are looking to develop their people to work effectively alongside technology. The bonuses and training programs are part of a long-term effort to prepare employees for a future where human skills are increasingly valuable.
The effort is not just about rewarding employees, but also about signaling what the firm values. By recognizing and rewarding human skills, Ernst & Young is sending a clear message about what it considers important for its employees to succeed in a tech-led world. The firm's commitment to developing its people and preparing them for the future is a key part of its strategy to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
