Your workers might already be using generative AI. Here’s how to make the most of that

A newly released study by Microsoft and Accenture highlights the potential of Gen (generative) AI to significantly boost Canada’s economy through contributing an impressive $180 billion annually in labour productivity improvements by 2030, while saving workers 125 hours per year. And if you believe your employees aren’t already utilizing Gen AI, you might be gravely mistaken. According to a global study by Salesforce involving 14,000 workers in late 2023, 28 per cent of employees were already using Gen AI at work, with more than half doing so without employers’ formal approval. A 2023 McKinsey report echoed these findings, indicating widespread, albeit informal, adoption. These numbers have undoubtedly risen since then.
Rather than adopting a centralized command-and-control approach, recognizing and leveraging these early adopters to help organizational learning provides a strategic advantage. Begin by conducting an internal survey to identify who is using Gen AI and how they are using it. Ask questions focusing on the types of tools employees use, the frequency of use, and specific applications within their work. It’s essential to reassure employees that using Gen AI in their work is acceptable, even in the absence of a formal policy. Communicate clearly that your goal is to learn from their experiences, not to penalize them. Incentivize participation by offering rewards such as recognition, bonuses, or professional development opportunities.
Once you analyze the survey results, identify individuals who use Gen AI effectively and creatively. These informal leaders possess valuable insights into the practical applications of Gen AI and can offer firsthand knowledge about the challenges and benefits of these tools.
Leverage the expertise of your Gen AI pioneers to develop best practices tailored to your organizational context. Create a collaborative environment where these early adopters can share their experiences and insights. Form a task force comprising your identified pioneers, L&D professionals, and IT specialists. This group will develop guidelines and best practices for using Gen AI in the company. Hold regular meetings and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Pilot these best practices within a small, controlled group before rolling out Gen AI tools company-wide. Use this phase to gather feedback, refine the guidelines, and address any unforeseen challenges. Create comprehensive guides, FAQs, and video tutorials that employees can easily access. Leverage your company’s intranet or an L&D (learning and development) platform to distribute these resources effectively.
To ensure all employees benefit from the pioneers’ expertise and align the use of Gen AI with your company’s strategic goals, embed Gen AI knowledge into your organization’s learning and development programs. Incorporate Gen AI modules into existing training programs, covering the basics of Gen AI, its applications, and the specific best practices developed by your task force. Offer both online courses and in-person workshops to cater to different learning preferences.
Promote a culture that encourages ongoing education and skill development to keep up with the rapid pace of AI development. Regularly update training materials to reflect the latest advancements in Gen AI and provide opportunities for employees to attend conferences, webinars, and other learning events. Facilitate peer learning where employees share their Gen AI experiences and tips with each other. Encourage this through internal forums, lunch-and-learn sessions, and mentoring programs. Recognize and reward employees who contribute to this knowledge-sharing culture to further motivate participation.
Track learning progress and outcomes to identify skills gaps and training needs. Use data to personalize learning experiences based on insights, continuously improving programs based on feedback and data. Encourage a growth mindset among employees by providing opportunities for ongoing education and development. Recognize and reward learning achievements and integrate learning into daily work routines. Align learning initiatives with organizational goals. Engage leadership in promoting a learning culture, foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment, and celebrate successes and milestones in learning journeys.
By doing so, you will effectively integrate Gen AI into your company’s learning and development, harnessing the expertise within your organization to drive innovation and efficiency. This ensures your company stays ahead of the curve in the evolving Gen AI landscape. The time to act is now, and the key lies in the untapped potential of your own workforce.