Every company needs to be thinking about how to make artificial intelligence (AI) a seamless extension of the team. How often does a person say, "I wish there were more hours in the day to do all my work" or "This is too much work for one person"?
AI has the potential to lighten our workload and allow us to execute tasks in a less fragmented way, but fostering an AI-friendly company culture is easier said than done.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by SnapLogic, 39% of respondents said they think it will be difficult to get everyone in their organization on board with AI.
There are several barriers to AI adoption, but it is mostly due to a lack of context and education on the subject. By heeding the following tips, companies improve the opportunity to embed AI technologies into culture with few distortions and great benefits.
Demystifying AI to support change management
Most humans learn best with metaphors and examples. It can be difficult to paint a picture of how AI will impact the workplace, since we have very few previous examples. Also, some people worry that AI could make their role redundant if it can do their job faster or better than them.
Despite these concerns and a general lack of context, most people are optimistic when it comes to AI: in the survey, nearly two-thirds liked the idea of using it in their current role. They believe AI has the potential to save them time (54%), increase productivity (46%), and reduce risk and errors in their work (37%).
It is key that companies take steps to allay any fears around AI while also providing tangible examples of its benefits. In accordance with change management best practices, this information should be disseminated from the top down.
Leadership must do the upfront work of regularly identifying and sharing the victories other companies have experienced as a result of AI implementation through blogs, videos, discussions during all-worker meetings, or other methods of communication. In addition to sharing the triumphs of AI, companies should also showcase what AI mistakes and misuse look like to educate employees about emerging positive and negative patterns in AI adoption.
Ideally, companies should also offer employees the opportunity to go deeper by talking with experts about things that cannot be easily covered in standard communication, such as questions about data use and privacy. These conversations can help inform company policy on AI in the workplace.
Every company will need an AI policy that clearly articulates how employee and customer data is managed from a governance perspective and also defines areas where employees are invited to experiment and innovate. The initial instinct will be to focus on risk management.
While this is important, it is equally important to proactively create safe use of AI through tools and sanctioned work practices. Neglecting this will cause the use of AI to happen “in the dark” as employees will look to use these tools to help them deal with their workloads.
Ensure a smooth introduction
The introduction of any new technology in the workplace can certainly change things. Think about the early days of the Internet, which completely changed the way all businesses operate. Companies had to have conversations with employees, create policies, address gray areas, and constantly learn how to best take advantage of this new technology. AI is no different, and its adoption will undoubtedly pose some challenges.
For example, 19% of employees said they're worried they won't be able to figure out how to use AI correctly, but 34% would be willing to use it if it fit naturally into their current workflow. Companies need to make AI adoption as seamless as possible for employees to realize their full potential.
Companies must consider the workload of each employee and reserve the necessary time in their work week to improve AI skills. Learning by doing and experimentation are critical to adopting new technologies, so every organization must ensure that their employees have the education and support they need to succeed. This could include some combination of digital materials, one-on-one training, group workshops, and other resources.
Encouragement and reassurance go a long way: Companies need to be patient and understanding during this process, reassuring those who have concerns about upskilling and seeing the possibilities of AI. Executives and team leaders can get involved by showing the new positive opportunities that AI brings to the organization as a whole.
The effective implementation of AI technologies will be critical as companies continue to grapple with tight budgets and fewer talent in a highly competitive marketplace. To reap the benefits of AI, companies first and foremost need employee engagement. By giving employees the context, time, and resources to understand and effectively use this new technology, companies can close the AI knowledge gap and experience positive business results.
