Editorial
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance efficiency and productivity in today’s business landscape, as well as improve workers’ lives and contribute to the development of a sustainable workplace. Due in part to the relentless nature of AI innovation, business leaders are naturally focused on harnessing its benefits to support growth and competitiveness.
If wielded carefully and transparently, that relentless innovation could ensure AI becomes a force for good for individuals, the organizations they work for and society as a whole. But that’s a big if — because people have to take part in the conversation, too. To harness the technological revolution to its fullest, now is the moment for business leaders to pair it with human insight, empathy and communication. Yet, according to a recent BSI report, American business leaders’ enthusiasm for AI innovation and efficiency may somewhat outweigh their concerns about the technology’s potential impact on the workforce.
The report, an in-depth analysis of the experiences of nearly 1,000 U.S. and global businesses leaders from nine countries and seven industries, revealed that three-quarters (76%) of American business leaders believe AI tools should be embraced — even if some jobs change or are lost as a result. Two thirds (65%) agree innovation is more important than protecting existing jobs. However, the report also found that U.S. business leaders stood out among peer nations as vocal champions of AI accountability, transparency and employee success, as more than nine in 10 U.S. business leaders (93%) believe it is crucial to provide training for the safe, ethical and effective use of AI.
In this context, business leaders have an opportunity to communicate transparently about the impact of AI, provide reassurance where possible, and invest in reskilling and upskilling programs that go beyond box ticking exercises. By actively supporting employees through these transitions and demonstrating a commitment to their development, organizations can build trust and foster a culture where innovation and job security coexist.
Build Trust Through Transparency
As AI becomes increasingly integral to business practices, many business leaders are considering how to inform and consult with employees about AI's use.
A different BSI report revealed that 80% of U.S. businesses are informing their employees about expected current and future uses of AI, but the level of communication and engagement around AI varies significantly across different industries, company sizes and markets. For example, there is a noticeable difference between smaller businesses, with only 65% providing information on AI practices, and larger ones, where 81% do.
No matter the size of a business, transparency in AI adoption is critical for building trust and ensuring its safe, ethical and effective use within organizations. It will look different in different organizations, but at a basic level it is about fostering a culture of trust, where employees feel valued and included in the ongoing conversation about technological advancements that impact their work.
Clear communication about AI can help alleviate potentially damaging fears and misconceptions, helping employees to understand and adapt to AI tools rather than feeling threatened by them. This is doubly true when communication remains steady and engaging at every step of the AI journey. When employees are well-informed about the purpose and benefits of AI within their organizations, they will be better placed to embrace its integration into their daily tasks, and see it as an opportunity for growth instead of a risk to their job security.
Related Article: How Companies Can Get Employees on Board With the New Wave of AI
Empower Employees Through Training
While BSI’s research revealed U.S. business leaders value employee success and upskilling more than peer nations, the actual delivery of such training falls short. The report found that 37% of American business leaders said they are aware of their firms producing a significant amount of training to guide employees in how to use AI tools safely and ethically to manage risk, compared to others including Germany (38%), China (47%) and India (49%).
Businesses have a responsibility to help employees use AI tools to protect their roles and thrive in a changing workplace. The drive to focus solely on AI innovation may understandably be strong for many business leaders, but it is equally important to ensure that employees are prepared to succeed in an AI-enabled environment. Merely checking the box of creating a one-size-fits-all program is not enough given all the areas where AI can have an impact.
By equipping employees with these necessary skills and knowledge, organizations can ensure that AI is implemented in a way that positively impacts people and their work. Bridging this gap is another building block for establishing trust both internally and externally in these digital tools.
As AI shapes the future of work, organizations can seize the moment to prioritize a comprehensive educational effort, offered in different formats to meet various learning and accessibility needs. Providing robust training programs not only equips employees with the tools to enhance productivity and efficiency, but also reassures them that their development and success are business priorities.
Related Article: Who's Responsible for Responsible AI?
Thrive in an AI-Driven Workplace
As AI continues to transform everything we do, it will bring both challenges and opportunities for organizations and employees. The data makes this clear, where some people say they see AI more as an opportunity than a threat, while others disagree.
By creating an environment where AI is viewed as a tool for empowerment, providing training opportunities and offering clear transparent communication that AI will be used safely, ethically and effectively, businesses have the opportunity to unlock AI’s full potential. Doing so could enhance productivity, drive innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future for both organizations and employees.
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U.S. business leaders may overwhelmingly state that they need to embrace AI or they will be at a competitive disadvantage, but they also have an opportunity to show their dedication to the well-being of their workforce and the value of human creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. This balanced approach can help alleviate worker concerns and create a more resilient and adaptable organization, ready to thrive in an AI-driven world.
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