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The CHRO six-pack for AI implementations
CHROs and the broader HR team are crucial to successful AI implementations. Here are six ways to help make it happen.
Stop telling staff that AI won’t lead to job losses
If staff feel that management is trying to deceive them regarding the likely workforce impact of AI, they may resist its implementation or even attempt to undermine it. CHROs must persuade their fellow leaders to avoid hollow promises that employees perceive to be disingenuous and instead communicate openly and honestly, with an exchange of views about how both employer and employee see roles changing.
Improve the employee experience
Workers grappling with “upskilling fatigue” (from constant discourse about improving their skills related to new technologies) need convincing that investing time and effort in AI adoption is worth it. More human-centered organizational and technological design will facilitate AI implementation in ways that support, rather than undermine, staff.
Ensure transparency
Users are much more likely to adopt AI technologies that are perceived to be more “explainable.” When introducing new AI capabilities, CHROs must ensure that staff understand how models reach their conclusions. Staff also need to feel comfortable that the tools are acting without prejudice and that they’re not putting data privacy at risk.
Be clear about the upside
Where you have a clear view of the likely impact of AI, set it out early. That way, you can start giving workers the support and reassurance they need to take advantage of the opportunity. CHROs should work with staff and managers to design new job roles that incorporate AI as a supportive element, building confidence and even keen anticipation.
Take the lead
CHROs and the broader HR team are best placed to manage internal communication and to lead on training and upskilling. The HR function is also well placed to monitor the use of new AI tools, collect feedback, and address concerns about ethics, privacy, and safety.
Create safe spaces for experiments and mistakes
CHROs must support cultural change and encourage innovation. When employees feel free to fail, they will feel more comfortable experimenting with new technologies.
Checklist
Answer these questions to check that the organization is being transparent with the workforce about the likely impact of AI:
- Are our communications honest and credible?
- Is a human-centered approach embedded in our adoption of the new technology?
- Do employees understand, in broad terms, the tools and processes we are introducing?
- Are we holding a two-way conversation with them, rather than delivering information from above?
- Are we fostering a culture of psychological safety around AI adoption, so people feel free to innovate?
Key takeaway
Once employees accept AI as a gateway rather than a barrier to their progress, whole new horizons will open up to them and the organization.
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