There’s no doubt AI is disrupting companies and industries. The accelerated adoption of generative AI (Gen AI) has quickly changed how jobs and processes are performed. Employees now use AI to help them with their work (often without letting their employers know) and many worry their roles will become obsolete because of AI adoption. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that AI is still in its infancy and evolving daily, with no clear picture of how the future of work will unfold or what the next iteration of AI will bring.
Any advice will be obsolete when the next generation of AI is released. Regulatory bodies are struggling to keep up with the realities of AI on the ground and company policies are similarly lagging behind. However, this lack of outside authority means organizations have agency over what happens next and how AI redistribution will shape innovation, productivity, and expertise.
HR has the unique opportunity to take control of these shifts as it prepares organizations for disruption through AI experimentation, rapid upskilling, job (re)design, and ensuring guardrails for safe organizational adoption.
Strategic HR insights: Understand the risks and rewards of AI
Encourage experimentation and training to reap AI benefits
There’s untapped value in AI use to increase employee productivity. For example, a recent study showed that BCG consultants achieved a 40% increase in their quality of work by using ChatGPT. To unlock these gains, HR leaders must create an environment that encourages safe experimentation with AI, giving employees the confidence to explore its potential without fear of mistakes.
Often, employees hesitate to use AI not due to lack of interest, but because they don’t feel equipped to do so. Offering comprehensive training not only boosts their skills but also reassures them that instead of replacing them, AI is meant to augment their work and help them become more productive. Robust training can help employees adapt and thrive in AI-enhanced roles.
HR actions to take: Guide the workforce through the shift to AI
This is a new frontier, and HR can seize the opportunity to become the expert in the room:
- Advocate for employees: Listen to and address employees’ concerns and needs. This includes providing support, guidance, and resources to help employees navigate changes that come with AI.
- Spearhead the development of new AI playbooks: Lead the creation of playbooks for responsible AI implementation.
- Embrace continuous learning: HR professionals must improve their understanding of AI technologies and their impact on work so they can continue to support employee productivity.
- Communicate transparently: Maintain open, honest communication with employees about the impact of AI on their roles to build trust and minimize worry. This will help employees understand the benefits of AI and ensure they feel supported during transitions
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