Three out of four CEOs believe if they don’t scale AI within the next five years, they risk going out of business entirely.
AI has the potential to shape business growth in profound ways – it is a critical source of business value. We can adapt at speed with insights that drive innovation and advantage through improved efficiency, accuracy, decision-making, and customer service. Offerings can become super intelligent with gaps and opportunities uncovered more quickly. AI also offers the potential to boost productivity setting us free to do our best work or, to tackle less mundane activities and focus on more fulfilling ones. It is both powerful and empowering.
To leverage the power of AI, (76% of CEOs struggling to scale AI across business, yet 84% believe it is critical for achieving growth), we need a diverse and reconfigured workforce with professionalised AI: defined AI roles, multidisciplinary teams, clear lines of accountability, career paths and training. “Of Strategic Scalers, for example, 70% say their employees have formal training around data and AI.”
To leverage the power of humans, our call to action is perhaps more inclusive, with broad conversations around the intersection of technology and well-being, and consideration of what digital inclusion looks like. We have experienced a range of behavioural responses to AI tech, from fear and avoidance, to lack of interest or engagement, right through to obsessive application (humans still do some things better).
“Collaboration between humans and machines can only be successful if humans build the emotional bridge between the data analysis provided by AI and the needs of the customer. It’s not just about the data provided by AI, but also about how we can interpret this information in human terms and communicate it to customers.”
The Link Between Wellness and AI Readiness
Wellness at work is about creating an environment where people can thrive. That increasingly includes equipping employees with the skills and knowledge to engage with AI. Employees with the skills to adapt to new technologies report higher levels of job satisfaction and well-being. A 2023 survey by Gallup found that 60% of workers who received training in new technologies, including AI, reported higher levels of job engagement, compared to just 40% of those who did not. 87% of executives recognise AI as crucial to their business op’s, but only 18% believe their workforce is ready to leverage these technologies fully. This gap impacts productivity but can also create stress and anxiety among employees who feel left behind. Fears about AI can be driven by the threat of job losses and the uncertainty of having the skills needed to succeed in the AI era.
Paths to Digital Inclusion
To ensure everyone can benefit from AI, organisations will want to professioanlise AI, but also broadly to think about their path to digital inclusion. How do we assist all employees, regardless of their current skill level or role, to become comfortable with AI? It’s about technical skills as well as building that climate of always learning and adapting. Taking responsibility for your own digital readiness is also a great move – get informed and educated about AI through taking advantage of what’s out there (there is lots – see a few resources below).
Get curious: Look for articles, podcasts, and online courses to familiarise yourself with AI basics. Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer accessible courses tailored for various skill levels. There’s a surprisingly good stock of free, accessible learning.
Experiment and explore: Experiment with AI tools. Start small by using AI-powered applications in your everyday tasks, such as AI-driven writing assistants or project management tools. Run a piece of copy through ChatGPT, or ask for a book summary. The more you prompt, the better the answers.
Collaborate and share: Find AI guru’s who can share some of their knowledge. Collaboration helps you learn but also fosters a culture of digital inclusion within your team. Share your knowledge as it increases.
Seek support: Ask your organisation about AI readiness programmes that cater to all employees. Perhaps you can play a role in setting one up if they dont already exist.
Reflect and adapt: Regularly assess your progress and comfort level with AI tools. Adapt your learning path based on your experiences, showcase your achievements.
Digital inclusion ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. For organisations, it’s about professionalising AI, but also the broader conversations, resources and support necessary for everyone to succeed. For individuals, it can start with simple commitments to getting up to speed.
What does the digital inclusion conversation look like for you? Have you got a path?
AI for everyone: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone
10 ways to get started in AI: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2024/04/03/10-ways-to-get-started-in-ai-without-being-technical/
Best free AI training courses: https://tech.co/news/best-free-ai-training-courses