How to Prepare for AI in Your Workplace

As AI becomes more capable, many companies see the value of introducing it. While it might be great for productivity, workers must navigate changes to their roles and the uncertainty that comes with it. Here’s how employees can prepare for AI in the workplace.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Zachary Amos – “How to Prepare for AI in Your Workplace”

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more capable, many companies see the value of introducing it. While it might be great for productivity, workers must navigate changes to their roles and the uncertainty that comes with it. How do employees prepare for AI in the workplace?

1. Shift Responsibilities

Around 61% of businesses began introducing artificial intelligence into their workplaces in 2021. Since then, the technology has improved its scope and abilities. As of 2023, it can take over responsibility for things most people assumed were robot-proof.

Employees’ current roles will most likely change because the whole point of an algorithm is to automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks. They should talk to their higher-ups about what to expect and strategize with the information they get. Knowing how their responsibilities will shift because of AI in the workplace can help them approach the situation.

2. Emphasize Human Abilities

Employees concerned about AI taking over their roles should emphasize their importance to their workplace. Imagination, problem-solving and persuasion are skills companies need to succeed. Some algorithms can mimic critical thinking or creativity, but they’re still algorithms at the end of the day.

Human input is necessary to ensure everything runs smoothly. For example, a company employing only AI might have to shut down operations for system errors or power outages. People can emphasize the unique abilities they bring to their roles and focus on improving them. It can help them stay relevant and communicate their importance to their higher-ups.

3. Adapt to Change

Even though technology will likely take over parts of employees’ roles, embracing it might be critical. It may become essential to their job. Those who adjust their behavior and mentality before their companies introduce it can adapt easier. It might be challenging to accept an AI in the workplace at first, but engaging can be worth it.

4. Understand Its Role

When workers know the extent AI will take over, it can help put them at ease. Many people feel unsure about it because technology has historically replaced humans outright. They can ask their boss for clarification to get a better understanding.

Likely, their jobs are safe. While AI can handle tasks that usually require human intelligence, it’s not as smart as many assume. Algorithms — even intelligent ones — need human input at times. They’re mainly tools to help make things more efficient.

5. Realize the Benefits

Employees might find focusing on the good parts of AI challenging because it’s taking over their jobs. Still, doing so can put their mind at ease and give them a positive outlook. They can’t stop their organization from introducing it into the workplace, so it’s better to embrace it.

The benefits of AI in the workplace could improve their day-to-day and lighten their workload. For example, it can automate dangerous tasks for particular industries, protecting workers in the process. They’ll also likely have more free time and be able to focus on more important things.

6. Participate in Training

While a workplace offering AI training is ideal, only some will provide such things. Instead, employees can train themselves since many AI applications are free as of 2023. It can help them get comfortable with the technology and adapt more quickly. In a professional world dominated by AI, company success depends on those who embrace new skills. They might view people who put in the extra effort favorably.

7. Focus on Skill Building

When an AI takes over some of an employee’s responsibilities, they should view it as a positive thing instead of an annoyance. People who familiarize themselves with it have the advantage. For example, around 73% of senior executives say they would choose an applicant familiar with AI over someone else. The labor market is rapidly changing and technology is driving it.

Those who build their skills can do much better than their competition, which is one of the benefits of AI in the workplace. It provides a chance to grow professionally while practically doing the same job they’ve always done. They can prepare for it by treating it like a skill-building opportunity.

Know How to Prepare for AI

Preparing for new technology can be challenging, but the benefits of AI in the workplace stand to make the day-to-day easier for most workers. They should feel at ease as long as they strategize and understand how their organization will implement it.

About the Author:

Zachary Amos is the Features Editor at ReHack, where he writes about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other technology-related topics.