AI is becoming increasingly woven into the fabric of the modern workplace, but it brings a mix of anticipation and anxiety. A recent Gallup poll shows that 22% of U.S. employees fear losing their jobs to generative AI — an increase of 7% since 2021.
As these stats highlight, the need for leaders and managers to step up and guide their teams through such changes is urgent. Here’s how they can alleviate AI-related stress and prepare employees for a more AI-powered workplace.
Recognizing AI as a Tool, Not a Threat
To counteract feelings of fear and uncertainty, employees need to reframe AI and view it more as an asset rather than a threat. To encourage this viewpoint, managers should focus on communicating how AI tools are designed to increase human efforts, not replace them. For example, AI can handle repetitive tasks, analyze large amounts of data, and streamline operations. In return, this boosts employees’ work efficiency and productivity.
By promoting this message, employees will be able to see AI as a facilitator for mundane tasks, potentially improving their quality of work life and job satisfaction over time.
The Irreplaceable Value of Human Skills
Even if AI’s presence is growing, human skills remain unique. AI technologies aren’t able to emulate genuine empathy and creativity or understand human emotions.
Such soft skills, like emotional intelligence, adaptability, teamwork, active listening, leadership and more, are critical in a well-functioning workplace. For instance, 65% of managers support the idea that interpersonal and cognitive skills will become extremely important as AI and automation become more popular.
This suggests a shifting focus toward skills that AI can’t replicate or replace, meaning that a nurturing, well-rounded skill set is crucial in the AI era.
Investing in AI Training
So, how can organizations harness the power of AI? The answer is to invest in thorough and comprehensive AI training.
Training in AI ranks among the top three non-mandatory training topics employees want from employers. Having this type of training is crucial in helping employees demystify, manage and conquer AI.
From formal L&D programs to casual “lunch and learn” sessions, a diverse program of AI training fulfills a range of functions. Not only does it elevate the importance of AI, but it normalizes the use of the technology by integrating learning opportunities into a team’s regular cadence and fosters an environment of continuous learning and adaptability.
It also addresses one of the biggest challenges facing employers today — generational diversity — and the varying levels of comfort and confidence with technology that this brings to the workplace.
The Imperative of Upskilling and Reskilling
Upskilling and reskilling are essential strategies in the AI-powered workplace. They ensure employees remain relevant and competitive and that they’re able to adapt to the new roles and responsibilities that emerge as AI evolves.
This proactive approach boosts employee morale and retention. Plus, it secures a company’s position in a fast-changing industry landscape. Simply put, continuous learning fosters an agile and forward-thinking workforce that is capable of not just surviving but thriving in an AI-dominated environment.
Embracing AI by Building Confidence and Competence in the Workplace
AI isn’t the monster under the bed. It could very much be seen as the fairy godmother of the workplace. But to work its magic, leaders and managers must act proactively to prepare teams for an AI future.
By promoting AI as a supportive tool, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of human skills, and investing in training, organizations can mitigate fears and grow a competent, confident workforce that can face the challenges and opportunities of AI technologies.
Christina Gialleli is director of people ops at Epignosis, a leading global software house in learning tech that is trusted by more than 22 million people in more than160 countries worldwide.
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