Now & Next: Building Employee Confidence in AI Through Training

AI has swept quickly into our daily lives and workplaces, bringing both excitement and anxiety. There are already examples of AI replacing human jobs in areas like customer service, and predictions by people like Sam Altman that many more will follow.

According to a recent Forrester report, creative and marketing professionals are particularly worried about the potential of job displacement due to generative AI. The cure they recommend? AI literacy training.

“Agency employees need the skills and confidence to master AI and not let the AI fear factor master them,” says Forrester Analyst Jay Pattisal. “A compulsory system of AI literacy and training will solve this dilemma.”

A recent Time article echoes Forrester’s recommendations:

“Polls indicate a majority of Americans are anxious that AI will reduce the quality and quantity of jobs. In surveys, workers say that they want their organizations to communicate with them about how AI is being used and will impact their roles; to be trained on the new tools; and to be involved in figuring out how to use AI in their companies.”

And while there are examples of humans being directly replaced by AI systems, there are also examples of companies like IKEA upskilling their workforce in order to be prepared for the AI work revolution.

It’s this latter approach – providing practical, hands-on learning experiences plus formal education and certification – that can help employees view AI as a valuable tool rather than a threat. Transparency and engagement are crucial; involving employees in AI decision-making processes, creation of AI policies, etc., builds trust and security.

We’re still very early days in the AI sea change. Helping workers of all kinds find the value AI can bring – and keeping a focus on the unique things that only humans can do – requires a balanced approach that addresses both technological advancements and human concerns. By fostering an environment of continuous learning and involving employees in AI initiatives, companies can achieve innovation while maintaining a motivated and secure workforce.