In every organization, there are employees whose true potential often goes unnoticed. Many possess valuable skills that remain underutilized simply because there isn’t a clear system to identify and match them to emerging business needs.
Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), HR teams now have the tools to uncover this “hidden workforce” and connect the right people to the right opportunities.
As companies move away from rigid hierarchies and static career ladders, AI-driven internal talent marketplaces (ITMs) are emerging as a game-changer — enabling smarter talent mobility, stronger engagement, and greater agility.
According to Gartner, nearly one-third of large enterprises will embrace AI-based talent marketplaces by the end of this year. The focus of modern talent management is no longer about finding people externally — it’s about empowering the talent you already have to innovate, grow, and stay.
Reimagining Internal Mobility with AI
Traditionally, internal mobility meant shifting employees between full-time roles to promote learning and growth. But today’s AI tools allow for a much more fluid approach.
Instead of moving entirely from one job to another, employees can now contribute to short-term projects or cross-functional initiatives beyond their day-to-day responsibilities.
This shift creates space for learning in the flow of work, helping employees apply their skills in new contexts while the business benefits from greater flexibility and collaboration.
Research shows that employees at organizations with high internal mobility tend to stay 60% longer than those at companies with limited mobility. Similarly, LinkedIn reports that employees who move internally are 3.5 times more engaged in their work.
In other words, internal mobility is not just good for employees — it’s a direct driver of business performance.
AI-Powered Talent Marketplaces: A Catalyst for Equity and Growth
AI-driven ITMs bring transparency and accessibility to career opportunities within a company.
For example, studies show that women are often less aware of growth opportunities internally. When organizations introduce AI-enabled marketplaces, this visibility gap shrinks — empowering underrepresented employees to upskill, explore new projects, and expand their networks.
By democratizing access to opportunities, ITMs help HR leaders create inclusive, skill-focused cultures where talent development becomes everyone’s responsibility.
Steps to Build an Effective Internal Talent Marketplace
1. Lead the Change with a Clear Vision
Introducing an ITM is a major shift for any organization. HR leaders should begin by defining the business case — identifying goals like improving engagement, upskilling employees, reducing hiring costs, or boosting agility.
Case studies across industries show measurable outcomes such as higher employee engagement, millions in cost savings, and hundreds of thousands of work hours unlocked by redeploying internal talent more effectively.
The key is to gain leadership support early and communicate how this strategy transforms both employee growth and organizational efficiency.
2. Redefine Processes Around Skills and Agility
Next, align HR processes with this new way of working.
AI tools can assess employee skills — even those not visible in traditional resumes — and match them with internal projects or openings.
To support this model, companies must update policies to encourage a “look inside first” approach before hiring externally.
Additionally, managers should be incentivized for sharing talent across teams, reinforcing a culture of mobility and collaboration.
3. Pilot, Learn, and Scale
Launching an ITM often starts small — typically within a department or project-based function.
A pilot phase helps identify challenges, gather feedback, and refine the process before expanding company-wide.
Continuous learning and adaptation are essential, as both business priorities and AI technology evolve rapidly.
Once scaled, organizations experience a self-sustaining cycle: talent flows freely, innovation accelerates, and both retention and productivity rise.
The Future of Talent is Already Here
The future of work isn’t about chasing talent in the marketplace — it’s about activating the potential already on your payroll.
AI-powered talent marketplaces help organizations do just that: match hidden skills to business needs, foster career growth, and create a culture where opportunity is accessible to all.
By embracing this approach, HR leaders can turn their workforce into a dynamic ecosystem of learning, agility, and innovation — positioning the organization to thrive in an ever-changing world of work.
