In the last 18 months, the hype surrounding generative AI has waned. Employees are now realising how they can use AI to improve their workday. Elise Smith says that this is an opportunity for learning teams.
ChatGPT, which arrived in 2022, was hailed as the panacea for the workplace – intelligent, productive and able to perform any task.
By late 2024, the world has become a little more grounded. AI may not have changed the workplace drastically in the near future, but something interesting is happening.
Microsoft reports that 75% of knowledge workers in the world have already used AI-generated at work. Accenture reports that two thirds of executives don’t fully understand how AI can be used to its full potential.
The hard part is moving from experimentation into business transformation.
What are the employees’ views on AI?
Microsoft’s survey shows that respondents across the board believe that AI can help them save time (90%) and focus on their most critical work (85%). They also feel AI allows them to be more creative (84%) and enjoy their job more (83%).
AI is already reducing the daily workload, allowing for more creativity and growth.
AI is already being used by many people to handle their email triage.
You might also notice an AI assistant in a virtual meeting. It’s taking notes and creating action items so you can focus on the discussion.
AI Use Cases
IBM says that of the 15 top AI use cases in companies, three are focused on automation: IT (33%), Documentation (24%), Customer Support (23%), Business and Network Processes (22%).
It is the result of a workplace in which routine tasks are no longer the focus of your day. Employees have more time to work on challenging projects, be creative, and better collaborate with their colleagues.
This has led to some unexpected outcomes. We are forming relationships with AI systems. They help us with questions to icebreakers in meetings, they act as our crutch for creativity, they serve as practice partners, and we even ask them for advice.
This presents an enormous opportunity for teams that work in learning and development.
Learn how learning teams can boost AI
AI-powered coaching and simulations are always available. These simulations and coaching are a cost-effective, large-scale solution that allows employees to practice difficult conversations, learn from different perspectives, and develop crucial skills.
Let’s face it: corporate learning is a serious problem. The “forgetting curvature” proves that “if you don’t use it, then you lose it”. People forget 90% of their learning in a single week if it isn’t applied.
AI-powered learning systems create personalised learning experiences, which adapt to the individual’s needs and provide immediate feedback.
Imagine a learning space that knows your strengths and encourages you to improve. It also provides you with real-time coaching, all without judgment.
AI can be a great help to teams that are constantly pressed for time.
According to Josh Bersin, an HR tech analyst, in a work week of 40 hours team members only have 24 minutes for learning. This time crunch goes against the desire of individuals to grow and develop, as well as their need to future proof their careers.
Where to learn about it
While microlearning and just in time learning aren’t brand new concepts, AI brings them to the next stage.
Imagine you are a manager who has a meeting in 30 minutes with your direct reports to provide constructive feedback. You spend five minutes with an AI simulation instead of scrambling to find old notes or random articles on the internet for quick preparation.
You practice giving feedback, you try to respond to reactions and you refine your approach. This type of targeted and timely learning is easy to fit into busy schedules.
This approach has three main advantages. It puts the learning where you need to be, which makes it easier for you to retain and apply what you have learned.
It allows team members to take control of their learning and receive training at the time they need it. According to some estimates, the system can save 197 hours per session.
Even though AI offers many benefits, some companies still have concerns about its use. Many leaders worry that their organization lacks a plan to implement AI. This is a major barrier for progress.
AI in the workplace
For AI to be successful, we require more than the right technology. We need people who can communicate how the company uses AI and what data it collects.
Change management is important for AI implementation. It emphasizes the need for cultures of inclusion and trust.
AI will continue playing a major role in the workplace. But AI makes human interaction even more important.
Skills such as strategic thinking, creativity, leading diverse teams, and communicating with change will become more valuable skills sets, as AI automates routine tasks.
The message for learning and HR leaders is clear: It’s time to embrace AI, not as a danger, but as an ally who can help develop talent and create workplaces that allow every employee to thrive and do their best work.
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