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A new survey shows that 57% of workplace managers in the US expect to need more employees with data science skills over the next five years, with 26% saying it is “very likely” and 31% “somewhat likely.”
The results come from the Gallup Math Matters Study, based on web surveys conducted in December 2024. The study included responses from 2,831 US workplace managers responsible for supervising the work of others, alongside a second survey of 5,136 US adults.
Data fluency ranks high among managers’ priorities
Among managers surveyed, 85% said they wished their direct reports had one or more additional math skills. Just over a third, or 37%, specifically cited data science. This puts it nearly on par with the 41% who wanted more financial math and the 41% who wanted more foundational math skills.
Other highly rated skills included statistics, software knowledge, and the ability to communicate mathematical concepts. These were cited by about three in 10 managers, reflecting a broader interest in data fluency and analytical capabilities.
Employees regret missing out on math education
The study also looked at what math skills US adults wish they had gained in school. Financial math came out on top, with 29% wishing they had learned more about personal finance, budgeting, or accounting. Data science followed closely at 21%.
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Other sought-after skills included software and programming, both at 20%, and statistics at 18%. Only 7% said they wished they had learned more foundational math, despite 41% of managers wanting to see more of that in today’s workforce.
The findings highlight a disconnect between what workers regret not learning and what employers now want to see. While both managers and adults see value in data science and financial math, fewer Americans expressed a desire to revisit basic arithmetic.
The research concludes that the growing centrality of data in the workplace is reshaping employer expectations. The results point to an opportunity for educators, business leaders and policymakers to better align math education with workplace needs and a challenge for recruiters and HR execs to meet the demand for numerate candidates.
